Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Now ten years old, the 2014 Belle Cousine Hyde Vineyard is in fine shape today. A heady, rich wine, it offers up an exotic mélange of dark macerated cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, incense, blood orange and French oak. It’s a big wine, done in the larger-scaled style favored ten years ago, and yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. Slightly forward notes in the bouquet suggest the 2014 has arrived at its first plateau of maturity.
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James Suckling
Aromas of dark berries and raspberries with fresh herbs, all of which follow through to a full body with tight and focused tannins. A long, flavorful finish. Tight and long. 53% cabernet sauvignon and 47% merlot. Needs two or three years to come together.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.