Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1970)

About this wine

The 1970 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard is a testament to the longevity and complexity of Napa Valley wines. Upon pouring, it reveals a garnet hue with noticeable rim variation, indicative of its age. The nose is a harmonious blend of tart red currants, ripe Bing cherries, and dried lingonberries, complemented by nuances of tobacco, old leather, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have integrated beautifully over time, and a medium-plus acidity that provides a lively backbone. Flavors mirror the aromatic profile, with the addition of subtle earthy undertones and a hint of Poblano pepper. The finish is medium-plus, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. Crafted under the guidance of the legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, this vintage showcases the classic 'Rutherford dust' character—a term he coined to describe the unique earthy quality found in wines from this region.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and resilience, has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. In 1938, Beaulieu Vineyard's winemaker André Tchelistcheff recognized the potential of this varietal and crafted the first Georges de Latour Private Reserve from the 1936 vintage, establishing it as Napa's inaugural 'cult' Cabernet. The 1970 vintage continued this legacy, showcasing the grape's adaptability to Rutherford's unique terroir. Notably, during this period, the wine was aged in American oak barrels, a practice that imparted distinctive flavors and was a hallmark of Tchelistcheff's influence.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1970 Georges de Latour Private Reserve was crafted by renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who introduced innovative techniques like aging wine in small French oak barrels and malolactic fermentation, significantly elevating the quality of Napa Valley wines.
• 🏞️ Beaulieu Vineyard, established in 1900 by Georges de Latour, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries. The name 'Beaulieu' translates to 'beautiful place' in French, reflecting the vineyard's picturesque setting.
• 🏆 The 1970 vintage of this wine was highly acclaimed, receiving a score of 90/100 from Wine Spectator, highlighting its exceptional quality and aging potential.
• ⛪ During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard was one of the few wineries that continued operations by producing sacramental wine for churches, allowing it to maintain production and emerge strong post-Prohibition.
• 🌿 The 1970 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold and structured profile, characterized by flavors of blackcurrant, mint, and eucalyptus, making it a classic representation of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palate profile

Producer

Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) was founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour and his wife, Fernande, in Rutherford, California. The name "Beaulieu," meaning "beautiful place" in French, was inspired by Fernande's exclamation upon seeing the property. During Prohibition, BV thrived by producing sacramental wines for the Catholic Church, allowing it to expand significantly. In 1938, the winery hired André Tchelistcheff, a renowned winemaker who introduced innovative techniques and elevated BV's reputation, particularly with the creation of the "Georges de Latour Private Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, BV remains a cornerstone of Napa Valley's winemaking heritage, continuing to produce acclaimed wines from its historic vineyards.