2023 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve

2021 was a fantastic vintage for Beaulieu Vineyard’s iconic flagship wine, Georges de Latour Private Reserve. The 2021 blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. The bouquet is intense with fragrant notes of wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied, with a lush mouthfeel combining layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant and rose petals with earthy notes of graphite, liquorice root, stone dust and dark chocolate. Subtle spice from the French oak barrels brings hints of sandalwood, clove and cinnamon, while the signature Rutherford Dust tannins are silky, polished and fine-grained, with a long finish with a cocoa powder texture. Although slightly reserved on release, this wine is already exceptionally drinkable, elegant and enjoyable. The tannins provide beautiful balance and approachability. There is a clear presence, depth and concentration in this Private Reserve, which portends a cellar potential that will continue to unfold and develop over the coming decades.

Part of the wine was fermented in new French oak barrels, which allowed for early integration and enhanced the dense, rich texture. The remainder of the must was fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks, preserving the freshness of the grapes. After extended skin contact, the wine was pressed and sent back to barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation. A small amount of Petit Verdot was blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon to further enhance the aroma and flavor profile of the wine. They work very closely with barrel makers, ensuring the style and consistency of the barrel is just right.

ABOUT 2021 Napa Valley

The 2021 season was joyful and welcome after the challenges of previous vintages, with exceptionally high quality fruit, some of the best in recent years. Rain early in the year led to almost no significant rainfall for the remainder of the season, providing an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom and set in early spring. Budbreak occurred in early April, followed by flowering and bloom in May. Summer saw early, even ripening across the valley, with veraison occurring in early July. Low yields, partly due to drought conditions, produced intensely flavoured small berries. After one of the earliest starts ever, the red harvest began in late August. With optimum ripeness and flavour, our winemakers took their time bringing in grapes. The result is wines of fantastic character, with amazing colour extraction, aromatic intensity, great balance and structure that are equally lush and fruity. A great year to taste the nuances and terroir distinctions from around the valley.

Ratings: 98 James Suckling, 97 Jane Anson, 98+ Jeb Dunnuck, 98 Decanter, 95 Wine Spectator, 98 Vinous (A. Galloni)

FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.