Georges de Latour Private Reserve 50th Anniversary (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Georges de Latour Private Reserve from Beaulieu Vineyard offers a balanced and lively profile, featuring aromas of plum, mint, and floral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, showcasing ripe berry and chocolate flavors that lead to a long, satisfying finish. This vintage marks the 50th anniversary of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve, a wine that has been a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon since its inaugural release in 1936. The 1986 vintage was fermented in redwood tanks and aged in American oak barrels, reflecting traditional winemaking practices. Over time, this wine has developed a harmonious complexity, making it a noteworthy example of Napa Valley's winemaking heritage.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and resilience, has been a cornerstone of Beaulieu Vineyard's winemaking since its early days. In 1938, winemaker André Tchelistcheff joined BV and, upon tasting the de Latour family's private 1936 vintage, recognized its exceptional quality. He insisted it be bottled as the winery's flagship, leading to the 1940 release of the first Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which became Napa Valley's first 'cult' Cabernet. The 1986 vintage marked the 50th anniversary of this iconic wine, celebrating its legacy and the vineyard's dedication to producing top-tier Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quick facts

• 🎉 The 1986 vintage marked the 50th anniversary of Beaulieu Vineyard's Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, first produced in 1936.
• 🏞️ Beaulieu Vineyard was founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour and his wife, Fernande, who named it 'beau lieu,' meaning 'beautiful place' in French.
• ⛪ During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard thrived by producing sacramental wine for churches, allowing it to expand while many wineries closed.
• 🍷 The 1986 Georges de Latour Private Reserve was crafted under the guidance of winemaker Joel Aiken, who succeeded the legendary André Tchelistcheff.
• 🍇 The 1986 vintage is noted for its ripe, meaty character, full-bodied profile, velvety tannins, and a long, chewy finish.

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.