2017 Beaulieu Vineyard "Georges de Latour - Private Reserve" Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (OWC)

This is one of the most balanced Georges de Latour, offering currants, minerals, fresh herbs and spices. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins. Long and focused. Subtle and complex. Very elegant and refined in the end. Reminds me of classic, old vintages from the 1960s and 1970s.

Showcasing the deep slashes of liquorice that you find in Cabernet from Napa, this is layered with concentrated cassis. A more generously spiced, ripe, juicy and pure version than you often find in the savoury, menthol-laced Cabernet of Bordeaux. This is confident and has years of pleasure ahead of it for anyone who owns it. Owned by Treasury Wine Estates, 100,000 bottles made and around 12,000 going through La Place. As one of the key Napa Valley Cabernets, that is part of the history of the valley, it is an exciting wine to have on the Place for the first time in 2020. 95% new oak. (JA)