Belle Cousine, Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley – 2010
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Introduction
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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.
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Vineyard Profile
- Cultivation: Sustainable viticulture
- Size: 5.2 acres
- Vine Age: 24 years (Cabernet Sauvignon); 21 years (Merlot)
- Soil: Shallow loam over clay hardpan
- Exposure: Southwest (Cabernet Sauvignon); east (Merlot)
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Vintage Report
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Following a cool summer, a heat spike in September caused severe heat damage to the grapes. The burnt berries had to be removed by hand in a lengthy elimination process and meticulous sorting at the winery was required.
- Harvest Date(s): October 2 (Merlot); October 16 and 28 (Cabernet Sauvignon)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Cold soak in upright oak vat; 15% saignée; 21 days skin contact
- Malolactic: 100%
- Barrel Aging: 20 months in 60-gallon barrels (20% new)
- Coopers: Demptos, Taransaud, Ana and Sylvain
- Filtration: Unfiltered
- Fining: Unfined
- Bottled: June 22, 2012
- Bottle Aging: 28 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 52% Merlot; 48% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Production (in cases): 562 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
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Tasting Notes
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Very rich aromas of blackcurrant and cherries but also very fresh and fragrant. Suave and full-bodied with discreet power and concentration that is balanced with fine acidity to give it drive and freshness on the palate. The wine is harmonious and complete, with ripe tannins and spice in the long finish.
Aging Potential: 15+ years
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Images
Reviews
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Belle Cousine, Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley – 2010
This wine displays rich aromas of blackcurrant and cherries. It is suave and full-bodied with discreet power and concentration balanced by fine acidity to give it drive and freshness on the palate, ripe tannins and spice in the long finish.