2018 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sa
Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon has been widely recognized as the benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford since its inaugural vintage in 1936. Our understanding of terroir comes from more than 100 years of creating rich, classic Napa Valley wines. Our legacy honors the marriage between state-of-the-art technology and gentle, traditional winemaking methods, a combination that enhances the expression of our remarkable vineyards.
Awards & Accolades 98 points
Vinous
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve is fabulous. Inky, rich and explosive, the 2018 is a fine addition to the lineage of one of Napa Valley's most historic wines. Inky red fruit, chocolate, leather and licorice all open in the glass. Aeration brings out floral top notes, raspberry and a hint of blood orange. There is plenty of depth, but the tannins are finer than they were a few years ago. Shorter time on the skins and a reduction in barrel fermentations really allow the pedigree of these Rutherford sites to come through. The 2018 is sensational.” - Antonio Galloni, March 2021
98
JamesSuckling.com
“Blackberry, blackcurrant and mint with some sage and crushed-stone undertones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are in-check and nicely polished. Smoke, toasted oak and bark at the end, complementing the fresh yet ripe fruit. Drink after 2024.” - James Suckling, June 2021
96+
Wine Advocate
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple in color, it prances out of the glass with flamboyant scents of blackberry preserves, wild blueberries and crème de cassis, followed by hints of cigar box, Chinese five spice and pencil shavings with a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of firm grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the muscular black fruit, finishing long and earthy.” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, November 30, 2021
Wine & Vintage Details
Tasting Note
The 2018 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional, with a beautifully expressive nose full of ripe berry fruit aromas of raspberry, red currant, black cherry and black currant, alongside hints of fresh chaparral herbs like wild lavender, violet and rose, fresh mint, sage, bay laurel and juniper berry. Perfumed exotic spice notes from the well-integrated aging in new French oak barrels adds vanilla, cedar, clove and cinnamon, and also supports the lush fruit, showcasing the depth, concentration, and balance of this extraordinary Cabernet. Full-bodied with breadth and weight, the rich expansive palate is layered with robust flavors of black cherry, red currant, thyme, leather, sweet tobacco leaf and rose petal. Signature “Rutherford Dust” tannins add a velvety-rich, cocoa-powder texture, supple length and firm presence to the lengthy finish, while secondary notes of earth, clay, dark chocolate and espresso dance on the palate until your next sip. The mouthwatering palate is silky, ethereal and sinewy, with a line of vibrant acidity, while also seamlessly integrating with the full-bodied texture, crafting a wine that is nuanced, indulgent and plentiful, offering layers of complexity, depth and structure. Inviting and beguiling now, this Cabernet is youthful and spirited, but will surely allow for age-worthiness for many years to come, if you can keep your hands off it.
Vintage
The Napa Valley region enjoyed a stunning, near picture-perfect 2018 growing season including good winter rains, mild spring weather and steady temperatures throughout that allowed for even flowering and bud break. These ideal growing conditions were followed by a cool, even and slow-paced harvest which allowed the winery to vinify wines at a gentle pace. The resulting 2018 Cabernets are of very high quality with plenty of concentrated flavors, color and excellent acidity.