Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1973)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of dried fruit, toffee, and earthy undertones.
About this wine
The 1973 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard presents a classic rusty orange hue, indicative of its age. The nose offers a blend of toffee, dried plums, and resin, transitioning to earthy notes characteristic of Rutherford's terroir. On the palate, it delivers a medium-bodied experience with earthy, sweet cherry flavors, complemented by tobacco and cigar box nuances. The finish is rustic yet charming, showcasing fully mature red berry notes. This vintage reflects the foresight of winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who retired in 1973 after a 45-year tenure at Beaulieu Vineyard.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in France in the 17th century from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it well-suited to various climates. In Napa Valley, this grape found an ideal environment, particularly in the Rutherford region, where Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) was established in 1900. BV's founder, Georges de Latour, recognized the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon and, in 1938, hired winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who crafted the first vintage of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in 1940. This wine became Napa Valley's first 'cult' Cabernet, setting a benchmark for quality and showcasing the region's capacity to produce world-class wines.
Quick facts
- 👨🍷 The 1973 vintage of Beaulieu Vineyard's Georges de Latour Private Reserve is notable for being the final vintage overseen by the legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who retired that year after a 45-year tenure.
- 🍇 This wine is crafted exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley, an area renowned for its distinctive 'Rutherford dust' terroir, imparting unique earthy notes to the wine.
- 💰 Upon release, the 1973 vintage was priced at approximately $1.50 per bottle, reflecting its premium status at the time.
- 🍷 Over the years, this vintage has been praised for its longevity and complexity, with tasting notes highlighting aromas of dried plums, toffee, and earthy undertones, even decades after bottling.
- 🏞️ The 1973 vintage holds historical significance as it was produced during a pivotal era in Napa Valley's wine industry, contributing to the region's rise to prominence on the global wine stage.
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.
