2021 Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) George De Latour Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Napa Valley

Conceived by Napa pioneer André Tchelistcheff and named after BV founder Georges de Latour, the first vintage (the 1936) was released way back in 1940. Since then, Georges de Latour has become one of the most celebrated wines in the world—and it’s just as monumental now as it ever was. Spectator just declared “BV is enjoying a renaissance” while crowning them with the honor that will have collectors from coast-to-coast running for bottles.

André Tchelistcheff, known today as the godfather of Napa Valley winemaking, joined Beaulieu Vineyard in 1938. When he tasted the de Latour family’s Private Reserve, he insisted that it be bottled and sold as the winery’s flagship offering. In 1940, BV and Tchelistcheff released the first edition of the wine, named after BV founder Georges de Latour. 

The quality of the Private Reserve is uncompromising. The grapes are selected by hand from Cabernet vines on the western bench of Rutherford, from BV ranches No. 1 and No. 2, which were originally planted by Georges de Latour over a century ago. The clones selected—6, 4, 169, 7, and 8—yield small berries with a high skin-to-juice ratio, which ramps up the intensity and the longevity of the wine. 

BV has a winery dedicated exclusively to producing the Georges de Latour Private Reserve—yes, you read that right. The wine is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete to preserve fresh-fruit character, and French oak barrels to foster integration and enhance the texture. Following vinification, the wine goes into French oak barrels, 95% of them new, for 20 months of aging. 

Every vintage, this bottling is a cellarworthy icon. In 2021, it’s transcendent.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.70%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2040
• 94% Cabernet Sauvignon6% Petit Verdot
• Serving temperature – 58°
• Cork