Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 is a 750mL bottle of Rutherford's landmark cabernet — 91 points from Wine Spectator and 17 from Jancis Robinson. Sourced from the Private Reserve vineyard and aged 18 months in new French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led cuvée carries the legacy of André Tchelistcheff, the legendary winemaker who shaped BV's house style through the 1950s and 1960s. Now fully mature, it is a classic expression of Napa Valley terroir built for the special-occasion table.
- Vintage / Size: 1998 vintage, 750mL
- Scores: 91 points Wine Spectator, 17/20 Jancis Robinson
- Aging: 18 months in new French oak barrels
- Origin: Beaulieu Vineyard, Rutherford, Napa Valley (founded 1900 by Georges de Latour)
- Style: Private Reserve — BV's flagship cabernet since the 1930s
Rutherford's Flagship, Mature and Ready
The Georges de Latour Private Reserve dates to the 1930s and quickly became one of California's defining wines. The 1998 is a modern-style Napa Cab — rich and powerful, gushing with berry and new-wood character, with tannins that have now resolved into something long and smooth. Pair it with a look through the wine cellar or the full Beaulieu Vineyard range at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Black currant, black cherry, cedar, and tobacco over toasty new oak.
Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated — ripe berry and raspberry with well-integrated tannins.
Finish: Long, smooth, and elegant, with a lingering fruit core.
How to Enjoy
Decant 60–90 minutes and serve at cellar temperature. It belongs next to herb-crusted lamb, a dry-aged strip, or a quiet evening with aged cheddar. This is a wine at its peak — no further cellaring needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did critics score the 1998 Georges de Latour?
91 points from Wine Spectator and 17/20 from Jancis Robinson.
How is Georges de Latour aged?
18 months in new French oak barrels.
Who founded Beaulieu Vineyard?
Georges de Latour, a French native, founded the winery in Rutherford in 1900.
Is the 1998 drinking well now?
Yes — it is a fully mature vintage best enjoyed in the near term.
Rutherford royalty at full maturity — secure a bottle of Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour 1998 from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.