Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1988)

About this wine

The 1988 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard offers a deep ruby color and a complex bouquet of mint, plum, and smoke. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, showcasing ripe berry and chocolate flavors that lead to a long, satisfying finish. This wine reflects the expertise of winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who joined Beaulieu Vineyard in 1938 and played a pivotal role in elevating the winery's reputation. The 1988 vintage is a testament to the winery's commitment to producing age-worthy wines that capture the essence of Napa Valley's terroir. As one of the oldest wineries in the region, Beaulieu Vineyard continues to honor its legacy through wines like this distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and hardy vines, has been the backbone of Beaulieu Vineyard's (BV) Georges de Latour Private Reserve since its first vintage in 1936. This grape thrives in Napa Valley's Rutherford region, where BV's vineyards are located, benefiting from the area's well-draining alluvial soils and favorable climate. Under the guidance of winemaker André Tchelistcheff, BV pioneered the use of small French oak barrels for aging, enhancing the grape's natural structure and complexity. The 1988 vintage continued this tradition, showcasing the enduring qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon in BV's esteemed winemaking legacy.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The 1988 vintage of Beaulieu Vineyard's Georges de Latour Private Reserve is a testament to the winery's rich history, dating back to its founding in 1900 by Georges de Latour and his wife, Fernande.
• 🍇 This wine is crafted exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the renowned Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley, an area celebrated for producing some of California's finest Cabernet Sauvignons.
• 🥇 The 'Private Reserve' label was first introduced in 1940, honoring the winery's founder, and has since become a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.
• 🍷 Beaulieu Vineyard played a pivotal role during Prohibition by producing sacramental wines, allowing it to continue operations when many other wineries were forced to close.
• 📜 The 1988 vintage reflects the winery's commitment to quality and tradition, embodying the rich heritage and winemaking expertise that Beaulieu Vineyard has upheld for over a century.

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.