Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015

James Suckling – 98 Points

A complex red with blackcurrants, forest floor and mint. Eucalyptus, too. Love the aromas. Full body with ripe tannins that roll on the palate. Very harmonious and precise. Needs four to five years to come together, but already a joy to taste

Jeb Dunnuck – 97 Points

The flagship is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 3% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec aged in 90% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, with a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite, and smoked herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, terrific purity, and building tannins, which become even more apparent with extended air time (I followed this bottle for multiple days). This is the real deal and count me impressed. It’s approachable today thanks to its purity and balance, but given its old-school, classic feel, I’ve no doubt it’s going to evolve for 2-3 decades. Rating: 97+

Decanter – 97 Points

The grapes for the Private Reserve 2015 come from BV Ranches No1 and No2, which were first planted in the early 1900s. Described by head winemaker Trevor Durling as ‘small in yield, but mighty in concentration (15.5% alcohol)’, additions of 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec joined the 90% Cabernet to further enhance the wine’s aroma and flavour profile. Dense in colour, the 2015 expresses superbly the intensity of Napa Cabernet along with hints of mint and spice. It’s surprisingly fresh on the palate with total absence of over-extraction, the fruit, oak and tannins being in perfect harmony, leading to a firm and polished finish. This is historical Napa at its very best.