1974 Beaulieu Vineyard BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

"The 1974 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour was served blind at a restaurant in Beaune, from a vintage where California excelled. The wine is in a very beautiful place, born in a year when, in my limited experience, California could do no wrong. There is a noticeable maturation in color, with just a touch of turbidity. The bouquet instantly puts your mind at rest that you are in the company of a noble Napa Cabernet. Vestiges of red fruit, mulberry, singed leather, espresso and light terracotta aromas meld together effortlessly. You’re already in the palm of its hand before putting the glass to your lips. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine-grain tannins and brown spices intermixed with dark berry fruit and an easy-going yet persistent mocha and espresso-tinged finish. The 1974 is not a show-off. It’s just an exquisite, mature Californian Cabernet entering its dotage with panache." 94/100 - Vinous