1991 Beaulieu Vineyard "Georges de Latour Private Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“A classic Napa vintage, cool and prolonged, resulting in wines of intensity and invigorating acidity. This remains deep in colour, with some maturity but no browning. The nose is evolving, with aromas of leaves, mulch, and woodsmoke, as well as cherries and tobacco, but it's not flagging. It's medium-bodied and still tannic but not tough. It's concentrated and a bit dusty, and while still going strong it's certainly ready to drink, showing a hint of astringency but no bitterness or dryness. The finish is quite long. (SB)” (02/2019)

“Medium to deep brick in color, the nose sings of cherry cordial, warm cassis, bay leaves and chocolate mint with wafts of underbrush, smoked meats and black olives. Medium-bodied with an alcohol of 13.3%, the palate offers an excellent concentration of herb-laced black fruit preserves, supported by chewy tannins, finishing with loads of earth, mineral and savory sparks. (LPB)” (05/2019)

“Dark red with ruby tones. Complex, expressive nose offers dark fruits, licorice, exotic spices, herbs, minerals and tobacco, plus a sexy note of oak char. Then quite dry and classic in a claret-like style, conveying a silky texture and lovely subtle sweetness if not quite the concentration or thickness of the more evolved 1990. Finishes with plush tannins, noteworthy vibrancy and impressive rising length. This is a point today but should hold for a while. (ST)” (04/2019)

“Cold winter, cool summer and long hang time (picked 20 September to 14 October). 20 months in 50% American, 50% French oak. RS 1.5 g/l, TA 6.3 g/l, pH 3.42. This was the first year that the wine was not aged in 100% American oak (ex-Bourbon barrels, washed with soda ash). It smells of mushrooms and blackcurrants. With the frame of beautifully resolved tannins, the fruit is fading and acidity is high. Tea leaves, tobacco and blood oranges. Fresh and fragrant. (TC)” (03/2024)

“Aging well, with appealing sour cherry, anise and currant flavors. Turns elegant, but somewhat simple as well, finishing with a tapered aftertaste. Not going anywhere. (JL)” (01/2002)