2018 Hyde de Villaine Belle Cousine
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Belle Cousine is an elegant blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot from the Hyde Vineyard. It was matured in about 20% new French oak for 22 months and aged an additional two years in bottle before release. Deep ruby-purple in color, it has pure aromas of cassis, bouquet garni, tobacco leaves, sandalwood and graphite, with bright bursts of red cherry and flowers. Full-bodied, the palate is surprisingly lifted, with granular tannins, seamless acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Winemaker Guillaume Boudet notes that Hyde de Villaine does not own an optical sorter. "To me, the optical sorter erases the vintage component of the wine," he explains. "It’s a human being that calibrates the sorter with what they think is the perfect berry of this vintage." Give this fresh, floral blend another 2-3 years in bottle to unwind.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A tight and focused red with blackcurrants, violets, light cloves and pepper. It’s medium-bodied with integrated tannins. Fresh and vivid. Very savory. Black tea at the end. Graphite, too. A blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Belle Cousine is bright, floral and full of savory overtones that lend vibrancy. This mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend builds on energy more than volume. Silky and light on its feet, the 2018 is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. I especially like the brilliance here. The Belle Cousine is an undeniably attractive wine, but it is on the lighter side for a Bordeaux-based blend and distinctly Pinot-leaning in terms of its aromatics and mid-weight structure.