Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1978)

About this wine

The 1978 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard offers fully mature aromas of roasted herbs, red and blackcurrants, and cherries intertwined with caramel and spice notes. This dense, rich, and full-bodied wine has a velvety texture and abundant spicy oak, providing a compelling glass of delicious wine. As one of Napa Valley's benchmark Cabernets, it reflects the region's winemaking heritage. The 1978 vintage is noted for its depth and complexity, making it a noteworthy example of Beaulieu Vineyard's legacy.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape born from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th-century France, found a perfect home in Napa Valley's climate and soils. Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), established in 1900 by Georges de Latour, played a pivotal role in elevating Napa's wine reputation. In 1938, BV hired André Tchelistcheff, a renowned winemaker from France, who introduced innovative techniques and crafted the first vintage of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in 1940, marking Napa's emergence on the global wine stage. The 1978 vintage of this wine reflects the culmination of decades of dedication to cultivating and perfecting Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The 1978 Georges de Latour Private Reserve was crafted by Beaulieu Vineyard, one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries, established in 1900.
• 🍷 This wine was produced under the guidance of André Tchelistcheff, a pioneering winemaker who introduced techniques like aging in small oak barrels to Napa Valley.
• 🏅 The 'Private Reserve' label was first introduced in 1940, making it one of Napa Valley's earliest 'cult' Cabernets.
• 🍇 The 1978 vintage is noted for its bold structure and aging potential, reflecting the exceptional quality of Napa Valley's harvest that year.
• 🌄 Beaulieu Vineyard's name means 'beautiful place' in French, a sentiment expressed by the founder's wife upon seeing the Rutherford property.

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.