Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1980)

About this wine

The 1980 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve presents a medium to deep brick color, indicative of its maturity. The nose offers enticing aromas of cherry cordial, vanilla pod, and cardamom, complemented by layers of mincemeat pie, dried lavender, black tea, and a hint of bacon fat. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine delivers lively acidity and firm, grainy tannins, supporting flavors of pure dried berries and exotic spices. The finish is long and refreshing, with a subtle mint tea note. This vintage reflects the longer, cooler growing season of 1980, resulting in moderate alcohol and great freshness.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and robust tannins, has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry since the late 19th century. Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), established in 1900 by Georges de Latour, played a pivotal role in cultivating this varietal. In 1938, BV hired winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who recognized the exceptional quality of their 1936 Cabernet Sauvignon and insisted it be bottled as a flagship wine. This led to the 1940 release of the first Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, marking one of Napa Valley's earliest 'cult' Cabernets. The 1980 vintage continued this legacy, showcasing the depth and aging potential that have become hallmarks of BV's Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1980 vintage of Georges de Latour Private Reserve was crafted during a longer, cooler growing season, resulting in wines with moderate alcohol levels and great freshness.
• 🪵 This vintage was aged entirely in American oak barrels, a practice that was common for Beaulieu Vineyard's Private Reserve wines until 1989.
• 🍒 The 1980 Georges de Latour Private Reserve showcases complex aromas, including cherry cordial, vanilla pod, cardamom, dried lavender, black tea, and a touch of bacon fat.
• 🍷 On the palate, this wine offers layers of pure dried berries and exotic spices, supported by lively acidity and ripe, grainy tannins, finishing on a mint tea note.
• 📅 With an alcohol content of just 13%, this vintage reflects the era's trend toward more restrained and balanced wines compared to the higher alcohol levels common in later years.

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.