Beaulieu Vineyard 2018 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 1.5L Magnum
🍷 Product Description & Tasting Notes
Beaulieu Vineyard 2018 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in 1.5L Magnum format is a rare, collector-worthy expression of Napa Valley excellence. Hailing from BV’s historic Rutherford estate vineyards, this wine is the pinnacle of Beaulieu’s portfolio and among Napa’s most iconic and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons.
Aged for 22 months in 95% new French oak barrels, this wine is a rich, full-bodied, and impeccably structured red that reveals the power, purity, and longevity expected of the vintage and terroir.
🌟 Tasting Notes
The 2018 Georges de Latour Private Reserve opens with intensely aromatic layers of:
- Blackberry, black cherry, red currant, raspberry
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Floral and herbal notes: wild lavender, rose petal, violet, mint, bay laurel, and sage
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Exotic spices: clove, vanilla, cedar, and cinnamon from luxurious oak aging
On the palate, it’s velvety yet vibrant, with flavors of:
- Black cherry, red currant, sweet tobacco, leather, and thyme
- Rich supporting notes of dark chocolate, espresso, earth, and Rutherford Dust
The structure is lifted by vibrant acidity and polished tannins, culminating in a long, persistent finish that reveals layer after layer of elegance, complexity, and balance. The wine’s “Rutherford Dust” tannins deliver the signature cocoa-powder-like texture that makes this bottling so distinctive.
“Sensational… inky red fruit, chocolate, leather… floral top notes and superb pedigree.”
— Antonio Galloni, 98 Points
🏅 Scores & Accolades
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98 Points – Vinous (Galloni)
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98 Points – James Suckling
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97+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck
An outstanding release with critical acclaim across the board, this vintage is built for both luxurious drinking now and long-term aging.
🏔️ Winemaking & Terroir
Crafted by Trevor Durling, BV’s 5th head winemaker in its 120+ year history, this vintage combines innovation with deep-rooted tradition. Grapes are sourced from the BV Ranches No. 1 and 2 on Rutherford’s western bench — the historic plots originally planted by Georges de Latour himself.
Clonal selections (6, 4, 169, 7, 8) yield small berries with high skin-to-juice ratios, perfect for crafting a structured, cellar-worthy wine. The wine is fermented partly in new French oak barrels for early integration and texture, and partly in stainless steel and concrete to preserve fruit freshness.
📅 2018 Vintage Overview
The 2018 Napa Valley growing season was near-perfect: steady spring rains, mild temperatures, and a long, cool harvest window allowed for slow, even ripening, producing vibrant, layered wines with exceptional balance, aromatics, and ageability.
🥂 Serving & Pairing Suggestions
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Serve at: 60–64°F (16–18°C)
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Decanting recommended: 1–2 hours if drinking young
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Pair with:
- Prime rib or dry-aged steak
- Braised lamb shank
- Black truffle risotto
- Aged cheeses like Gouda or Comté
The 1.5L magnum format is ideal for gatherings or cellaring — offering slower aging and greater complexity over time.
🔑 Key Facts
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Wine: Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
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Vintage: 2018
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Format: 1.5 Liter Magnum (Rare Release)
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Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec
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Aging: 22 months in 95% new French oak
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Alcohol: 14.5%
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Winemaker: Trevor Durling
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Aging Potential: Now–2045
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Ratings: 98 Galloni, 98 Suckling, 97+ Dunnuck
