Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1981)

About this wine

The 1981 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard presents a medium ruby color, showing minimal signs of aging. On the nose, it offers a delicate bouquet of red currant and subtle spice. The palate is medium-bodied, featuring flavors of ripe fruit and a touch of leather, leading to a compact, angular finish. This vintage reflects the winemaking style of André Tchelistcheff, who was instrumental in establishing Beaulieu Vineyard's reputation for quality wines.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and resilience, has been the backbone of Beaulieu Vineyard's (BV) Georges de Latour Private Reserve since its first vintage in 1936. In 1938, BV's winemaker André Tchelistcheff introduced techniques like aging in small oak barrels, enhancing the grape's natural structure and aging potential. The 1981 vintage continued this tradition, showcasing the grape's adaptability to Rutherford's unique terroir. BV's commitment to clonal research, particularly with Clone 6, has further refined the expression of Cabernet Sauvignon in their wines.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The 1981 Georges de Latour Private Reserve was crafted by Beaulieu Vineyard, a historic Napa Valley winery established in 1900 by Georges de Latour and his wife, Fernande.
• 🍇 This wine is produced from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Rutherford AVA, a region renowned for its distinctive 'Rutherford Dust' terroir, contributing to the wine's unique flavor profile.
• 📅 The Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has been produced annually since its inaugural vintage in 1936, making it one of Napa Valley's longest-running wine labels.
• 🌿 Beaulieu Vineyard's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous vineyard management and winemaking practices, ensuring each vintage reflects the best of Napa Valley's terroir.
• 🍷 The 1981 vintage of this wine is considered a classic example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the region's ability to produce age-worthy and complex wines.

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.