Georges de Latour Private Reserve - A Drinkable Treasure
Written: Oct 24 '00 (Updated Oct 25 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Drinkable now, Better in 4-5 years
Cons: Still on the Pricey side
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| stonehousellc's Full Review: Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges De La... |
As noted in my previous post on the Mondavi Cabernet Reserve, I also buy and keep this particular wine each vintage. In an industry where rain and sun as well as the vagaries of mood and disposition of the winemaker have as much to do with a wine’s flavor as anything else, the folks at Beaulieu (under the Georges de Latour PR label) consistently produce one of the most drinkable products available.
The Beaulieu web site calls this wine “approachable in its youth” while touting its ability to age “extremely well over two decades or more”. That’s a lot of latitude for one wine to possess, but I have to admit I have somewhat similar feeling about this bottle. The way the wine opens up after only 30 minutes or so makes it very “approachable” indeed. I had pulled the cork, along with three other bottles, feeling this would simply be a tasting experience. Good for knowledge about the vintage, but not nearly an enjoyable drink.
In point of fact, this wine was most enjoyable. So much so that the rest of the bottle was set aside to be served with dinner. As an accompaniment to freshly prepared Moussaka it couldn’t have been better. Eggplant is one of the most versatile vegetables I know of, and in my Moussaka it takes on such strong flavors that a big red wine is necessary if you want the drink to be noticed.
Still possessed of a great depth of color, the wine is deep and dark and purple to the core. More spicy - peppery - and woody - heavy cedar, some oak beginning to show - than the Mondavi, it still packs enough ripe red fruit - currant, raspberry and black cherry - to make drinking this young monster pleasant. Unfortunately I think 20 years is a bit too ambitious. There is enough life in this wine for about 12 more years. After that I’m afraid you’d be coming in on the down side of the slope.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
stonehousellc
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Location: Nashville, TN
Reviews written: 90
Trusted by: 107 members
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