Hyde de Villaine Napa Valley Hyde Vineyard Belle Cousine is made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon & 15% Merlot.
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.
Review:
"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."
-James Suckling 96 Points
Bachelet Bertrand Saint-Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Saint-Aubin is situated in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, between Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet; both white and red wines are produced here but Chardonnay remains predominant. The Saint-Aubin appellation covers a wide area, with an altitude ranging from 300 to 450 meters, and with very varied expositions and soils, which makes each climat unique.
Saint-Aubin En Remilly is located in the south-east of Gamay, a hamlet near the village of Saint Aubin and next to the Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet appellations. This area benefits from a south-western exposition.
The wine offers a pale yellow color, with gold nuances; a mineral nose, a dense texture on the palate, bringing together substance and tension.
Perfect as an aperitif, pairs very well with firm-textured fish or with shellfish.