Product Overview
The 1969 Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon represents a significant chapter in Napa Valley's winemaking history. Crafted under the legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, this vintage was the last produced under the de Latour family's ownership, marking the end of an era for the estate .
At over five decades old, the 1969 Georges de Latour Private Reserve showcases the elegance and complexity that have become hallmarks of Tchelistcheff's winemaking. The wine exhibits a medium to deep brick-brown hue, indicative of its age. On the nose, it reveals an intricate bouquet of cedar chest, spice box, baked plums, dried mulberries, dried flowers, aniseed, dark chocolate, camphor, and old chesterfield, with subtle hints of espresso, woodsmoke, and charcuterie .
The palate is marked by a harmonious blend of tertiary flavors, including notes of leather, soil, cedar wood, and cigar box, complemented by lingering nuances of black cherry, plums, and mint . The wine's structure remains intact, with resolved tannins and a persistent finish that speaks to its exceptional craftsmanship.
Critics have recognized the enduring quality of this vintage. Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, noting its balance and concentration, while Wine Spectator gave it 88 points, describing it as "once a classic wine but fading slightly," yet still exhibiting a healthy dark ruby color and aromas of mushroom, leaf, fruit, herb, and cedar.
