Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1984)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with elegant fruit integration and soft tannins.
About this wine
The 1984 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard presents a maturing, medium-full ruby-garnet color. The bouquet is elegant, offering mint, berry, and sweet cherry aromas that are richer and deeper than the palate. The flavors are slightly stewed, reflecting the warm vintage, yet also a bit acidic, while showing quite a lot of fullness. This wine is a testament to Beaulieu Vineyard's legacy, which dates back to 1900, and showcases the Rutherford AVA's renowned terroir.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and resilience, has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), established in 1900 by Georges de Latour, played a pivotal role in this development. During Prohibition, BV sustained operations by producing sacramental wines, allowing them to expand their vineyards. In 1938, they hired André Tchelistcheff, a renowned winemaker, who introduced innovative techniques that elevated the quality of their Cabernet Sauvignon. This led to the creation of their flagship wine, the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 1940. The 1984 vintage of this wine reflects BV's commitment to producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1984 vintage of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted during a warm growing season, resulting in a wine with rich, full-bodied flavors and a slightly stewed fruit character.
- 🏅 Beaulieu Vineyard's flagship wine, Georges de Latour Private Reserve, was first produced in 1936 and has since become one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons.
- 🏞️ The name 'Beaulieu' translates to 'beautiful place' in French, a sentiment expressed by Fernande de Latour upon seeing the Rutherford property for the first time.
- ⛪ During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard thrived by producing sacramental wine for the Catholic Church, allowing it to expand while many other wineries closed.
- 🍷 The 1984 vintage of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is noted for its maturing ruby-garnet color and elegant bouquet with mint, berry, and sweet cherry aromas.
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.
