When Georges and Fernande
de Latour purchased a four-acre parcel of land with a house in Rutherford in May
1900, the new century had barely begun. Napa Valley?s vineyards had tragically
declined to 2,000 acres, devastated by the vine-munching
phylloxera bug. President McKinley had been assassinated recently, and
the mood in Napa Valley was melancholy at best. Yet Georges and Fernande
proceeded, within a few years, not only to create a great new vineyard, but
almost single-handedly to revive Napa Valley and Sonoma vineyards. Thanks to
Georges? knowledge of the cure for phylloxera -- resistant rootstock that he
would import by the millions over the next decade -- prosperity would return to
Napa Valley.
www.bvwines.com
Cabernet Sauvignon Georges
de Latour Private Reserve
Ever since Mme. Fernande de Latour
named the splendid, legendary 1936 BV Cabernet Sauvignon vintage after her
husband in 1941 and labeled it "Private Reserve," Beaulieu Vineyard
Reserve wines have set the standard for Napa Valley, indeed all California
wines.
2000 $105.99
1999
$104.99 limited
"This
deep, well-constructed Cabernet comes without caveat or flaw, and its expressive
mix of cassis, loamy spice and very rich oak is the stuff of which Private
Reserve fame is justifiable made. A sturdy, well-structured wine that is clearly
built for aging rather than thoughtless gulping, it looks, from our perspective,
to be on the classic track and is a solid bet to get better and better over the
next five to ten years." 92 Connoisseurs' Guide 12/02
1997
$129.99 very
limited
"An extraordinary wine, dense, rich and earthy, with
broad, plush tannins and tiers of complex currant, earth, cedar, black cherry,
mineral and anise flavors. Keeps a tight focus on the long, rich, detailed
aftertaste. Best from 2002 through 2010." 95 The Wine Spectator
10/31/00
"A strong effort from Beaulieu, the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve
boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a beautifully sweet nose of
spicy oak intermixed with black cherries and currants. Full-bodied, rich, pure,
and concentrated, it combines restraint and elegance with power and muscle. It
will age well for two decades. ... this is classic stuff. Anticipated maturity:
2002-2020." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #132
1996
$89.99 limited
"Ripe, round and smooth, with a core of coffee, currant, sage, cedar and
spice. Gains nuance and complexity on the finish, where the tannins are firm and
integrated. Wonderful texture and polish. Drink now through 2008.
Reserve Tapestry
2001 $43.99
2000 $43.99
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