HdV Belle Cousine

The Belle Cousine is an homage to Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine for her part in uniting the Hyde and de Villaine families. As the two families were joined, the founders were inspired to blend two old-world, classic varietals, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. As with all of HdV wines, this offering is displaying restraint, discipline, and terroir. Aromatic spices, red and blue fruits, and salty minerality combine to display the elegance and finesse of the cool climate vineyards.

2018

Wine Advocate 94: The 2018 Belle Cousine is an elegant blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot from the Hyde Vineyard. It was matured in about 20% new French oak for 22 months and aged an additional two years in bottle before release. Deep ruby-purple in color, it has pure aromas of cassis, bouquet garni, tobacco leaves, sandalwood and graphite, with bright bursts of red cherry and flowers. Full-bodied, the palate is surprisingly lifted, with granular tannins, seamless acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Winemaker Guillaume Boudet notes that Hyde de Villaine does not own an optical sorter. "To me, the optical sorter erases the vintage component of the wine," he explains. "It’s a human being that calibrates the sorter with what they think is the perfect berry of this vintage." Give this fresh, floral blend another 2-3 years in bottle to unwind.

Vinous 93: The 2018 Belle Cousine is bright, floral and full of savory overtones that lend vibrancy. This mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend builds on energy more than volume. Silky and light on its feet, the 2018 is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. I especially like the brilliance here. The Belle Cousine is an undeniably attractive wine, but it is on the lighter side for a Bordeaux-based blend and distinctly Pinot-leaning in terms of its aromatics and mid-weight structure.

2019

Wine Advocate 94: The 2019 Belle Cousine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot matured for 22 months in about 30% new French oak. It has intense aromas of cassis, black plums, cocoa powder, violet and licorice. The medium-bodied palate is pure and detailed with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity nestled into its concentrated, perfumed flavors and a long, elegant finish.

James Suckling 96: Lead pencil and blackberries with blackcurrants. Slate, too. Medium body, firm and fine tannins and a racy finish. Linear and polished. Crunchy. Pencil shavings. Slightly roasted coffee beans. So subtle and energetic. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot.

Vinous 95: The 2019 Belle Cousine, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot from Hyde, is fabulous. Bright and focused, the 2019 bristles with energy. Strong Cabernet inflections give this mid-weight red tons of aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. Dark red/blue fruits, mint, blood orange, spice, leather and mocha are some at the notes that emerge over time. Like all the best wines here, the Belle Cousine otters outstanding focus, clarity and freshness.