Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA 2022

Description

From BV’s historic Ranches No. 1 and No. 2 on the western bench of Rutherford, this flagship Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the region’s alluvial soils and signature “Rutherford Dust” tannins. The 2022 is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot, aged for 21 months in French oak, 95% new. Aromas of dusty rose, wild violet, red berries and sweet baking spice lead into a plush palate of cassis, red currant, cherry and ripe raspberry. Velvety tannins, refined structure and a long finish of pomegranate, floral notes and fresh mint complete this powerful yet elegant Napa Valley Cabernet. 

The Drinks Business - 97
“Delicate and soft despite the sheer intensity, density and mid-palate concentration. Black liquorice, soft sweet spices and oodles of macerated berries, with a little cassis and Kirsch. Pure, refined, rich and glossy – and exceptionally long on the finish.” 

James Suckling - 96 
“Power and grace come together beautifully in this long-running classic from a 125-year-old Napa winery. So rich, layered, structured and age-worthy. Now blended with about 20% of grapes grown in different locations around the valley but centered on Rutherford-grown fruit. The addition of 9% petit verdot gives an inky dark component and floral, violet accents. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.” 

Decanter - 95
"Cooling minty fresh nose, lifted and aromatically intense. Quite powerful and concentrated on the palate - I feel the 15% alcohol here with the intense 2022 conditions shining through in terms of fruit ripeness. A little sharp in terms of acidity, with spiced outlines and a savoury tang with red cherry and blackcurrant fruit. Excellently integrated oak which lets the fruit and acidity shine. Long finish with some stone grippiness.” 

Wine Spectator - 91  
“This embraces the warm vintage well, offering an inky and generous core of well-steeped cassis and plum fruit that is married to a strong tug of roasted cedar and loam notes. Offers enough flesh to feel filled in and enough drive through the finish to show length. Late chestnut and walnut husk hints add a touch of old school.”