Region and Vineyards
This wine is sourced from the western bench of the Rutherford AVA, specifically BV Ranches No. 1 and No. 2, established by Georges de Latour in the early 1900s. These iconic vineyards are planted on well-draining alluvial fan soils, producing fruit with a high skin-to-juice ratio, essential for crafting intense, long-lived wines.
The 2020 vintage faced unique challenges, with a warm, dry winter and a smaller-than-average yield. However, the region’s cool mornings and warm days during summer allowed Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive, achieving concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.
Winemaking
The Georges de Latour Private Reserve is meticulously crafted in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to this wine alone. A portion of the wine undergoes fermentation in new French oak barrels, creating early integration of texture and richness, while the rest is fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks to maintain fruit freshness.
After extended skin contact for maximum extraction, the wine was pressed and aged for 24 months in 95% new French oak barrels, with malolactic fermentation completed in barrel. A small percentage of Petit Verdot (7%) was added to enhance complexity and aromatics. This meticulous process ensures a wine of exceptional structure, balance, and elegance.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, saturated ruby with a dark purple rim.
- Aroma: A fragrant bouquet of ripe dark berries, black cherry, grape compote, and black plum, layered with notes of wild violet, fresh spearmint, bay laurel, and warm earth. Oak influence adds vanilla, caramel, and allspice.
- Palate: Full-bodied and multilayered, with dense dark fruit enveloping the palate. Savory notes of bittersweet dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, leather, and graphite add nuance. The structure is framed by pronounced “Rutherford Dust” tannins, offering a firm yet cocoa-powder-like texture. A lively acidity ensures freshness, while the finish is long and satisfying.
Did you know?
The Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 1936, is a pioneering wine of Napa Valley. Its iconic status reflects the vineyard's legacy and the seamless marriage of state-of-the-art technology with traditional winemaking methods.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Grilled ribeye steak with rosemary butter: The wine’s tannic structure and savory depth complement the richness of the steak.
- Braised short ribs with red wine reduction: Its dark fruit and earthy notes enhance the dish’s robust flavors.
- Wild mushroom risotto: The wine’s cocoa and graphite nuances align beautifully with the risotto’s umami tones.
- Aged cheddar or Gouda: The wine’s firm tannins and dark fruit pair excellently with the nutty, creamy texture of aged cheese.
