Beaulieu Vineyard BV Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 2021

Description

James Suckling 95

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve is another super-expressive wine in this range from BV. It offers up dark-toned fruit, mocha, dried herbs, gravel, incense and pipe tobacco. Medium in body and quite reserved, the 2021 needs a few years to unwind, but it certainly has a ton to offer. The 2021 is a big step up from the past, reflecting a move from an appellation-level wine to a more important bottling. The Reserve is made from vineyards on the western side of the appellation. It is essentially the second wine to the Georges de Latour.

Wine Enthusiast 93

A woodsy lift on a core of ripe black fruits gains detail with accents of graphite and espresso grounds. Savory, lightly sweet caramel and mixed spices bring additional depth. Powdery tannins and balanced acidity coat the palate, remaining approachable and age-worthy with a long finish.