1979 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve
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Tasting notes
Medium to deep brick colored, the 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour features well-defined dried cranberries, redcurrant jelly and stewed plums notes with hints of dried lavender, eucalyptus, bouquet garni, damp soil and pencil shavings plus a touch of leather. Medium-bodied and sporting a modest alcohol level of 13%, the palate offers fantastic intensity and a firm, chewy frame, culminating in loads of savory and exotic spice-accented layers on the finish. This vintage is currently holding a nice plateau, so no rush to drink. 23,000 cases were made.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Good full deep red. Complex if rather subdued aromas of cassis, cherry, spices, flowers and loam, plus a freshening eucalyptus note that was probably due to a row of eucalyptus trees planted next to the BV #3 vineyard (now Andy Beckstoffer's Georges III vineyard), which at the time was part of the Georges de Latour blend. Vibrant red berry and spice flavors convey noteworthy energy for a 40-year-old bottle. The wine's intriguing spicy complexity carries through on the finish, which features distinctly firm tannins that turned a bit dusty in the glass. This wine gives the impression of being in a state of suspended animation. (13% alcohol)