Belle Cousine, Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley – 2012
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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
- Vineyards: Hyde Vineyard
- Appellation: Los Carneros
- Cultivation: Sustainable viticulture
- Size: 5.87 acres
- Vine Age: 12 to 28 years
- Soil: Shallow loam over clay hardpan
- Orientation: South by southeast
- Exposure: Southwest (Cabernet Sauvignon); east (Merlot)
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Vintage Report
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Hyde Vineyard experienced moderate to high temperatures in 2012 complimented by cool nights and no significant weather events. These growing conditions resulted in an ideal ripening season. Harvest of our Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon completed on October 17th after a long and even maturation period, allowing our fruit to reach definition and balance.
- Harvest Date(s): October 1 st & 8th (Merlot) October 17th (Cab. Sauv.)
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 21 months
- Filtration: Unfiltered
- Fining: Unfined
- Bottled: July 31nd, 2014
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Merlot (70%) Cabernet Sauvignon (30%)
- Production (in cases): 562 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
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Tasting Notes
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Deep red in color, our 2012 Belle Cousine displays intensity and persistence on the nose,
with subtle nuances of ripe black-fruit and minerality. On the palate, this restrained wine displays balance with developed and refined tannins. Bright acidity and elegant fruit exudes definition and focus to the mid palate. The back palate crescendos in a long, subtle, and graceful finish. – Stéphane Vivier, Winemaker, HdV Wines
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Images
Reviews
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Hyde de Villaine Belle Cousine, Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley – 2012 – Decanter – 95 Points
Full in body, with fleshy, dark berry and currant fruit character, yet there is a great balance between the fruit ripeness and fresh acidity to finish. It’s very clean and pure, an attractive wine that has good ageing potential. A fine Napa Valley blend. So youthful, despite its relative age.
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Belle Cousine, Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley – 2012 – 93 points – James Suckling
"Aromas of currants, fresh herbs and walnuts with hints of cedar. Full body, silky and refined tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Pretty Bordeaux blend. Drink now."