Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

For more than 100 years, Beaulieu Vineyard has set the standard for rich, classic Napa Valley wines. Our Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception, defining the signature profile of our renowned Rutherford estate vineyards. The wine exemplifies a true sense of place, with fine powdered tannins and notes of unsweetened cocoa powder recalling the Rutherford Dust character made famous by foundational BV winemaker André Tchelistcheff. Affectionately called “Baby Georges,” in homage to the iconic Georges de Latour release, our Rutherford Reserve demonstrates approachability with power – a true sense of what Tchelistcheff would have described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

This vintage marks the second release of this Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a true epitome of the finest expression of our western Rutherford benchland terroir. A perfumed bouquet of wild dark berries, crushed earth, and toasty oak spice is present on the nose, while the palate is full of classic Cabernet character. Blackberry, cassis, and black forest cake interweave seamlessly alongside wild rose, while subtle baking spice notes from the well-integrated oak shows nuances of cedar, cinnamon, clove, and caramel. The mouthfeel is saturated and supple with a generous complexity and power. The focused “Rutherford dust” tannins are polished, broad, and round, exhibiting the signature cocoa powder texture and expansive character upon which Rutherford is known. Balanced with depth and concentration, the texture is plush and smooth, leading to a long, persistent finish. A showstopper Cabernet representing the very best from the distinguished Rutherford AVA.