Hyde de Villaine
Belle Cousine Hyde Vineyard Napa Valley
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. Belle Cousine is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that varies each vintage; Merlot from Niebaum selections and Cabernet from Bordeaux-origin selections.
The vineyard is certified Napa Green Land and Fish Friendly Farming and Larry Hyde uses a variety of biodynamic and organic practices in the vineyard; the wines are unfined and unfiltered.
- Region
- California: Napa Valley
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Sub-Appellation
- Carneros
- Varietal Composition
- Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot
- Aging
- In French oak barrels, 20% new.
- Alcohol
- 14.2%
Rich ruby color. Nose of macerated blackberry & cherry lifted by anise and black pepper. Full tannins provide structure balanced by integrated acidity. Maturation in 5+ years after release.
James Suckling
96 Points
2022
"The balance of fruit purity and savory nuances is divine. Aromas of black currants, licorice, dried herbs and leather. The palate is mid-weighted with a pure, refined mouthfeel and firmly framed yet fine tannins. A well-crafted blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot that shows great harmony."
— 2025
