2009 Hyde De Villaine Belle Cousine

Hyde De Villaine

USA / Napa Valley / Hyde De Villaine

Entering the third year of a drought, the 2009 winter was dry at Hyde Vineyard until unexpected rains in early spring. Bud break was later than usual avoiding any risk of frost damage; persistently mild weather created a long, slow ripening vintage leading to wines of balance and deft concentration.
WINEMAKER NOTES
Merlot (52%) & Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) grown on the Hyde Vineyard. Matured in barrel for 19 months, with 20% new French oak used. A pure and intense nose displays fresh blueberry, spices and crushed stone aromas. The minerality is striking in harmony with soft, elegant tannins. On the palate, the wine is juxtaposed with a restrained power typical of Hyde Vineyard Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Red and blue fruit are carried by freshness to a long delicate finale. A perfect table addition, it will reward for 15 to 20 years to come.

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About Hyde De Villaine

Hyde de Villaine is a joint venture between Larry Hyde and Aubert de Villaine. Aubert is one of Burgundy's most recognised individuals, as co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and director of his own wine company, A. & P. de Villaine. Larry comes from one of oldest farming families around Napa and brings to the partnership more than 30 years’ experience in California . Together with winemaker Stéphane Vivier they apply the traditions of the Côte d'Or to the fruit of the Napa, thus producing wines of regional character with the minerality that is so dear to the Burgundian palate.

About

Stéphane Vivier joined HdV in 2002, bringing with him skills in vineyard management and winemaking from around the world. Born and raised in France, Stéphane’s skills were cultivated in the vineyards and cellars of Pommard, Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet and then expanded through his work in New Zealand and Sonoma Coast.