Georges de Latour Private Reserve (1998)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and jammy Cabernet Sauvignon with deep fruit flavors and a touch of vanilla oak.
About this wine
The 1998 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard presents a deep purple hue, indicative of its concentration. On the nose, it offers abundant aromas of cherry, blackberry, and cassis, complemented by plush, vanilla-tinged oak. The palate is rich and jammy, showcasing layers of dark fruit intertwined with notes of chocolate. Firm tannins provide structure to this dry wine, suggesting its potential for further aging. This vintage reflects the expertise of Beaulieu Vineyard, a historic Napa Valley winery established in 1900, renowned for producing benchmark Cabernet Sauvignons.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, emerged in France in the 17th century and has become one of the world's most recognized red wine grapes. Its thick skins and hardy vines make it adaptable to various climates, contributing to its widespread cultivation. In Napa Valley, the grape thrives due to the region's warm days, cool nights, and well-drained volcanic soils, producing wines with rich fruit flavors and balanced acidity. Beaulieu Vineyard, established in 1900, played a pivotal role in elevating Napa's wine reputation by introducing the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in 1940, which became Napa Valley's first 'cult' Cabernet.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1998 vintage of Beaulieu Vineyard's Georges de Latour Private Reserve is renowned for its rich, jammy flavors of cherry, blackberry, and cassis, complemented by plush, vanilla-tinged oak.
- 🌄 This wine is produced in the Rutherford AVA of Napa Valley, an area celebrated for its 'Rutherford Dust'—a term describing the region's unique terroir that imparts distinctive earthy notes to its wines.
- 🏰 Beaulieu Vineyard, established in 1900 by Georges de Latour, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries, with the Georges de Latour Private Reserve being its flagship wine since its first release in 1940.
- 👨🔬 The 1998 vintage was crafted under the guidance of winemaker Joel Aiken, who succeeded the legendary André Tchelistcheff and continued the tradition of producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
- ⏳ The 1998 Georges de Latour Private Reserve has been praised for its aging potential, with firm tannins and a solid structure that suggest it can continue to develop complexity over time.
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.
