Winemaker Notes
Perfumed lilac and lavender unfold into brush-strokes of black cherry and fresh cassis bud. Intricate and concentrated flavors of red currant, dill, and a hint of cola dance across the tongue. Provencal spices and green olive add to the depth and complexity. Full, velvety tannins are accented by the freshness of the acidity and minerality. Patience will be rewarded; this wine promises to have long-term aging potential.
Blend: 53% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2015 Belle Cousine Hyde Vineyard is another wine here that has aged exceptionally well. Dark red fruit, pomegrante, blood orange, spice, new leather and incense soar across the palate. The 2015 has put on quite a bit of weight and textural presence since I first tasted it some years ago. This is a tremendous showing.
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James Suckling
This is very exciting with cassis-bush and plum character and very pretty rose-stem and leaf undertones. Full-bodied, layered and focused. Solid. Try after 2021.
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.