1995 Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 91

Bright red-ruby. Aromas of cassis, licorice and menthol, plus some coconut lactones from the oak element. Quite concentrated on entry, then sweetened in the middle palate by the strong oak component, which also has the effect of accentuating the tannins. In a distinctly dark-fruit style but a bit blocky and monolithic in spite of its velvety texture. This strikes me as typical Napa Valley in style but less specifically Rutherford; in fact, Beaulieu used some Calistoga fruit in their Georges de Latour for several vintages beginning in 1969, obtained when their then-owner Heublein purchased Christian Brothers Vineyard, which they renamed BV #12. This should go on for many more years but I’m not sure that it will gain in distinction. (13.9% alcohol; 3.81 pH; 5.8 g/l acidity; aged for 22 months in 55% French and 45% American oak barrels, all new) [Stephen Tanzer, 10/04/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2033

Robert Parker 95

1995 was a warmer vintage of lower yields from poor fruit set. The result is a relatively generous Georges de Latour Private reserve with lower acidity and a rich, opulent fruit profile. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 22 months in 100% new oak (55% French and 45% American), the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour has a medium to deep brick color with expressive dried blackberries, Black Forest cake and creme de cassis notes plus hints of cigar box, bouquet garni and coffee beans. Full-bodied (the alcohol is 13.9%), concentrated, firm and grainy, the palate delivers loads of relatively youthful fruit, with seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy. 13,000 cases were made. [13/05/2019]