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.

2019

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.