Hyde de Villaine Belle Cousine 2018

Region and Vineyards

Belle Cousine 2018 comes from the Hyde Vineyard, situated at the eastern edge of the Los Carneros District in Napa Valley. Known for its cool-climate influences, Carneros benefits from marine breezes and moderate temperatures, ensuring a long growing season that fosters complexity and balance in the grapes.

The vines, aged 18 to 34 years, are planted on Haire clay loam soils with ancient terraces and alluvial fans. This terroir promotes excellent drainage and enhances the wine’s structure and minerality. The vineyard’s south-southwest exposure maximizes sunlight, contributing to optimal ripening of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking

Belle Cousine 2018 is a blend of 45% Merlot and 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested between September 28 and October 23, 2018. The vintage benefitted from abundant rains in February, followed by ideal conditions in spring and summer, creating an even fruit set. The mild summer, extended fall sunshine, and moderate heat allowed the grapes to develop complex flavors and balanced sugars.

The wine underwent 21 months of aging in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak, ensuring a refined integration of oak influence. Bottled unfined and unfiltered on July 30, 2020, the wine maintains its natural texture and authenticity, with an alcohol level of 14.2%.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: Rich black cherry and currant aromas are complemented by hints of dried rose petals, graphite, and holiday spices.
• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of dark fruits, sweet basil, and subtle oak. The finish is smooth, elegant, and approachable, even in its youth.

Did you know?

The name Belle Cousine honors Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine, the cousin of Larry Hyde and wife of Aubert de Villaine of Burgundy. This wine symbolizes the union of two visionary families—Hyde of Carneros and de Villaine of Burgundy—united by a shared commitment to excellence and terroir-driven winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Wellington: The rich texture and dark fruit flavors of the wine pair beautifully with the layers of savory beef and pastry.
• Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds: The wine’s spice and fruit notes complement the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy richness of the risotto matches the wine’s depth and velvety tannins.
• Aged Gouda: The nutty and caramelized flavors of aged Gouda enhance the wine’s complexity and smooth finish.

History of Hyde de Villaine Estate

The story of Hyde de Villaine began in 2000, merging the expertise and heritage of two distinguished wine families. The Hyde family, known for their viticultural excellence in Napa Valley, joined forces with Aubert de Villaine, co-director of the esteemed Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy.

This unique partnership brings together Old World traditions and New World innovation, creating wines that reflect the terroir, the varietal, and the vintage with minimal intervention.

Larry Hyde contributes his extensive experience in California farming, particularly in Carneros, while Aubert de Villaine imparts the refined winemaking techniques of Burgundy.

Region and Vineyards

Hyde de Villaine wines are exclusively produced from the Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, Napa Valley. Purchased by the Hyde family over 33 years ago, this vineyard is renowned for producing some of the best single-vineyard wines in the country. The vineyard spans sedimentary terraces with shallow, loamy soil and ancient streambeds, combined with the cool Carneros climate and gentle winds, creating moderate hydric stress that maximizes vine potential.

The vineyard practices sustainable viticulture, minimizing soil compaction and promoting a healthy microbial ecosystem. Avoiding chemical fertilizers and herbicides, the vines thrive in a naturally balanced environment, with beneficial organisms and bacteria helping to naturally repel diseases. Insectary flowers are planted throughout the vineyard to combat pests without pesticides.

Winemaking

All grapes at Hyde de Villaine are hand-picked and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest clusters are used. The winery is designed to handle grapes gently, using gravity to minimize mechanical pumping. Custom equipment and co-fermentation of specific lots enhance the distinctive characteristics of each lot. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with winemaker Stéphane Vivier overseeing each barrel personally until the final blend is created.

Stéphane Vivier, who joined the venture in 2002, brings his expertise in viticulture and winemaking from Burgundy. Born and raised in Burgundy, France, Stéphane has honed his skills in renowned vineyards and cellars, adapting strict viticultural and vinification techniques to the unique fruit of Hyde Vineyard.

Wine Range

• Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay: The flagship wine, Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay, stands out for its minerality, structure, and natural acidity. Sourced from older vines, it undergoes aging in French oak (20% new) for 12 months, followed by three months in stainless steel and 14 months of bottle maturation. This wine, reminiscent of grand cru Burgundy, has a great aging potential of up to two decades.
• Hyde de Villaine Belle Cousine: A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from 22-year-old vines, Belle Cousine is named in honor of Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine, Larry Hyde’s cousin. This wine expresses the character of the place with a minerality cherished by the Burgundian palate.

Did you know?

The label of Hyde de Villaine wines bears the coat of arms of the De la Guerra family, one of California's oldest winemaking families, symbolizing the rich tradition, family heritage, and winemaking history that HdV embodies.