Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1991)
SommeliAI Insights
A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with rich blackcurrant and cherry flavors, complemented by toasty oak and a long, elegant finish.
About this wine
The 1991 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard showcases a deep ruby color, indicating its well-preserved maturity. On the nose, it offers complex aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and toasty oak, reflecting the wine's depth and richness. The palate mirrors these flavors, delivering a harmonious blend of ripe fruit and subtle oak nuances. This vintage is notable for its balance and elegance, characteristics that have allowed it to age gracefully over the decades. As one of the great vintages of Georges de Latour, it stands as a testament to Beaulieu Vineyard's legacy in producing classic Napa Valley wines.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it ideal for diverse climates. In Napa Valley, particularly in the Rutherford region, this grape thrives in well-draining alluvial soils, contributing to its distinctive character. Beaulieu Vineyard's Georges de Latour Private Reserve, first crafted in 1936, showcases the exceptional quality of Cabernet Sauvignon from this area, solidifying its status as a benchmark for Napa Valley wines.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1991 vintage of Georges de Latour Private Reserve was crafted from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, showcasing a harmonious blend of these varietals.
- 🍷 This wine underwent fermentation in open-top tanks, allowing for aeration during pump-overs, which helped soften the tannins and enhance its complexity.
- 🛢️ Aged for 20 months in a mix of 50% American and 50% French oak barrels, this vintage developed a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
- 🌞 The 1991 growing season featured a cool summer, resulting in wines with invigorating acidity and depth, contributing to the wine's longevity.
- 🏰 Beaulieu Vineyard, established in 1900, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries, and its Georges de Latour Private Reserve has been a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon since its first release in 1940.
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.
