2016 Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 96

Bright full ruby. Vibrant, pristine aromas of crushed blueberry, blackberry, cassis, violet, licorice and wild herbs, plus a hint of dusty cocoa powder. Remarkably plush on entry, hinting at an almost chocolatey ripeness, then large-scaled, dense and chewy in the middle palate, with harmonious acidity and a distinctly savory quality leavening the sweetness of the wine’s berry fruit. Turns sweeter again on the wonderfully long, aromatic aftertaste, which boasts noble, perfectly integrated tannins and outstanding lift. Still a baby but has all the elements for greatness. Beaulieu will introduce this wine in the fall as a centerpiece of their 80th anniversary celebration and it will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s hard to compare any wine to the ’68, but this may eventually prove to be the best vintage of the Private Reserve since that magical wine. (14.9% alcohol; 3.75 pH; 6.0 grams per liter total acidity; aged for 22 months in 90% new French oak) [Stephen Tanzer, 04/10/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2055

Robert Parker 97

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. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 05/20/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2060