98 Points from James Suckling
A complex red with blackcurrants, forest floor and mint. Eucalyptus, too. Love the aromas. Full body with ripe tannins that roll on the palate. Very harmonious and precise. Needs four to five years to come together, but already a joy to taste
97+ Points from Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 3% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec aged in 90% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, with a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite, and smoked herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, terrific purity, and building tannins, which become even more apparent with extended air time (I followed this bottle for multiple days). This is the real deal and count me impressed. It's approachable today thanks to its purity and balance, but given its old-school, classic feel, I've no doubt it's going to evolve for 2-3 decades.
97 Points from Decanter
The grapes for the Private Reserve 2015 come from BV Ranches No1 and No2, which were first planted in the early 1900s. Described by head winemaker Trevor Durling as ‘small in yield, but mighty in concentration (15.5% alcohol)’, additions of 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec joined the 90% Cabernet to further enhance the wine’s aroma and flavour profile. Dense in colour, the 2015 expresses superbly the intensity of Napa Cabernet along with hints of mint and spice. It’s surprisingly fresh on the palate with total absence of over-extraction, the fruit, oak and tannins being in perfect harmony, leading to a firm and polished finish. This is historical Napa at its very best.
96+ Points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long.
Winemaker Notes
The superb 2015 vintage gave the 2015 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon its unctuous fruit character and dense structure. Hugely complex, the wine reveals a broad spectrum of briary blackberry, black cherry and currant notes, with nuances of violet and bittersweet chocolate. Muscular tannins support the plush, expansive palate, while impeccably balanced acidity adds vibrancy.
Sustainable
At Beaulieu Vineyard, we firmly believe that what is good for the earth is best for the wine, and for 100 years we have been striving to honor our vineyard land with practices that preserve its natural beauty and ecology. This involves a commitment to sustainable farming, a practice that optimizes a vineyard's natural balance by promoting the kind of biodiversity that reduces the need for pesticides, conserves water and promotes soil health and fruit quality. We understand that respecting our vineyards ensures their health and longevity and results in superior wine quality.