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.

Subterranean: Ancient terraces and alluvial fans

February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near ideal conditions for the fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

Notes of black cherry and rich currant lead into aromas of dried rose petal and graphite. Hints of holiday spices and sweet basil round out the smooth, elegant finish in the palate. Sophisticated and rich, the weight of the wines is full, yet extremely approachable in its youth.
— Guillame Boudet, Winemaker