1997 Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 93

Dark red with ruby tones. Aromas of dark fruits, licorice, exotic spices and herbs, plus a sexy element of oak char. Silky, adamantly dry and classic, in a distinctly claret-like style. Can’t quite match the 1990 for concentration or thickness, but delivers enticing subtle sweetness and lovely pliancy to its flavors of black cherry, cassis, mint and black pepper. Perhaps in part due to the modest alcohol, this wine boasts noteworthy aromatic complexity in the mouth. Broad, dusty tannins saturate the sides of the mouth. Still a tad youthfully aggressive on the end, conveying an impression of medicinal reserve. There’s certainly no rush to open this wine. (13.8% alcohol; 3.78 pH; 5.5 g/l acidity; aged for 22 months in 55% French and 45% American oak, 63% new) [Stephen Tanzer, 04/10/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2036

Robert Parker 90

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. While Beaulieu is no longer one of California’s cutting edge wineries, this is classic stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020. Tel. (707) 963-2411; Fax (707) 963-5920 [12/23/2000]

Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020