Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016

James Suckling – 98 Points

The intensity of fruit in the nose is so impressive with blackberries, blackcurrants and lavender. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied, tight and focused with polished and chewy tannins. Blackberries, currants, walnuts and hazelnuts on the palate. Solid core of fruit and ripe tannins. Classically structured. 97% cabernet sauvignon with petit verdot. Don’t try this until 2022 and onwards.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 97 Points

Blended of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot matured for 22 months in French oak, 90% new, this vintage has an alcohol level of 14.9%. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is still incredibly youthful. Sporting notions of cedar and cinnamon toast to begin, the nose opens out to beautiful notes of warm cassis, crushed red and black plums and kirsch with floral hints of roses and candied violets. Sparks of crushed rocks and cast iron pan plus a touch of dried herbs emerge with coaxing. Full-bodied, rich, bold and energetic in the mouth, the palate reveals a very firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with beautiful mineral accents. To be released in autumn 2019, 8,400 cases were made.

Jeb Dunnuck – 97 Points

The flagship cuvée, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve is all Cabernet that spent 22 months in 90% new French oak. Deep purple-hued with notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, tobacco, and graphite, with a whiff of dark chocolate, it hits the palate with medium to full body, nicely integrated acidity and tannins, notable purity of fruit and a great finish. This classic, structured, balanced Napa Cabernet needs a solid 5-7 years of bottle age and will age gracefully for 25+ years. Utterly classic, world class juice!