Birthday Belle Cousine
Celebrating birthdays with a wine as special as the moments we share led my choice to HDV
The name Belle Cousine is a reference to Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine, Larry Hyde’s lovely cousin who is the wife of Aubert de Villaine of Burgundy. It is Pamela who brings these visionary viticultural families from Burgundy and the Carneros region of Napa Valley together to make wines that express the character of place, with that rare minerality so dear to the Burgundian palate.In my opinion, women are truly the heart and soul of every family.
Hyde de Villaine HDV Belle Cousine 2017
A Belle Cousine from Hyde Vineyard is a Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Vinification likely involved careful sorting and gentle handling of the grapes, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, with 20% of the barrels being new. This barrel aging imparts complexity and structure, adding nuances of spice, toast, and vanilla to the wine. Finally, the wine was bottled on July 19, 2019, unfined and unfiltered, preserving its natural character and integrity.
A captivating deep garnet color with aromas of alluring complexity. The aromas unfold with an enchanting complexity, initially embracing the senses with ripe dark fruits. Black cherry, cassis, and blackberry command the stage, their bold presence seamlessly interwoven with delicate whispers of earth and spice. Imagine the enchanting scents of crushed violets, dried herbs, and dark chocolate, each note dancing harmoniously alongside a subtle hint of savory minerality.
On the palate, this exquisite wine reveals a remarkable balance of power and finesse. Full-bodied yet elegantly structured, it presents refined tannins that guide each sip with grace, beautifully supported by a lush 14.2% abv. The intense and concentrated fruit flavors—juicy blackberries and cassis—are elevated by a captivating tapestry of secondary notes: rich dark chocolate, bold espresso, and a tantalizing hint of tobacco leaf, each layer adding depth and intrigue to this extraordinary experience.
The finish is nothing short of mesmerizing, lingering and resonating with a delightful interplay of fruit, acidity, and tannins that etches itself into memory. The wine exudes a remarkable inner tension, where vibrant fruit and lively acidity effortlessly counterbalance the firm tannins, creating an effervescent sense of energy and vitality. This masterpiece not only delights the senses today but also promises a future of exquisite aging potential. Cheers to a truly magnificent journey in a glass!
This 2017 Belle Cousine is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the unique terroir of Hyde Vineyard. It is a wine built for the cellar and will undoubtedly continue to evolve gracefully over the coming decades.
Paired with a beast of a caveman cut steak. Feel the happy belly moments arrive.