Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1980

Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably the most iconic, and collectible, of all Napa Cabernets. Symbolising more than a century of Napa winemaking history, it is the flagship wine of Beaulieu Vineyard in the town of Rutherford, and a benchmark for the rich, concentrated Napa Cabernet style. Beaulieu vineyard was the first cult wine producer in the Napa Valley, founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour. "1980 was a longer, cooler growing season, producing wines of moderate alcohol and great freshness. Medium to deep brick coloured, the 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour opens with provocative cherry cordial, vanilla pod and cardamom scents over a core of mincemeat pie, dried lavender, black tea and camphor plus a touch of bacon fat. Medium-bodied with just 13% alcohol, the mouth is firmly textured with ripe, grainy tannins, lively acid and layers of pure dried berries and exotic spices, finishing on a mint tea note. With the fruit and tannins still hanging in there, there`s no great rush to drink well-preserved bottles of this vintage." Wine Advocate, 2019