The Belle Cousin here is Larry Hyde’s cousin Pamela, who is married to Larry Hyde.
Suckling rates this the best vintage ever, saying:
Lead pencil and blackberries with blackcurrants. Slate, too. Medium body, firm and fine tannins and a racy finish. Linear and polished. Crunchy. Pencil shavings. Slightly roasted coffee beans. So subtle and energetic. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. Drink or hold.
And Vinous:
The 2019 Belle Cousine, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot from Hyde, is fabulous. Bright and focused, the 2019 bristles with energy. Strong Cabernet inflections give this mid-weight red tons of aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. Dark red/blue fruits, mint, blood orange, spice, leather and mocha are some of the notes that emerge over time. Like all the best wines here, the Belle Cousine offers outstanding focus, clarity and freshness.
World class Napa Cabernet blend. And for what it is, a relative bargain.
