c-hunt@tesla.UUCP (Charles Hunt) (09/13/84)
The '79 Beaulieu Georges Latour Private Reserve is unquestionably the finest reserve Cabernet made at the winery in the last 50 years. This is not only the word of the winemaker, but has been declared by every knowledgable wine writer as well. The great string of gold medals at judgings has just begun. It is, however, a genuine "reserve" wine, ie. it must be properly aged for at least ten years before its greatest glory starts to display itself. The present condition is nevertheless astonishing: intense, deep color, very rich fruit with noticable oak, and quite tannic. Years from now, when the wine is in its prime, it will be balanced and memorable. If you have a cellar, buy a case, and in 20 years it will be as greats like '53 Chateau Margaux or '49 Chateau Lafite are today. This is certainly a rare, special treat.
flandren@ittvax.UUCP (Robert Flanderna ITT Courier Tempe) (09/19/84)
In reference to the article by tesla!c-hunt in which he implied that there is unanimous agreement that the '79 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet is the best in 50 years, I quote the following reviews: from Robert M. Parker - The Wine Advocate "The winery's overzealous publicity for the '79 reserve started several years ago with proclamations that it was one of the greatest BV cabs to ever be produced. Nothing contained in this wine remotely suggests that it will offer similar richness and complexity found in 76, 74, 70, and 68. The '79 reserve does offer dark ruby color, an attractive yet restrained bouquet of moderately ripe fruit and spicy oak. An austere Beaulieu Georges de Latour which needs 5 years of cellaring. Score 85/100" From Connoisseur's Guide to California Wines: ".. there is an undeniable promise to this one, but its greater virtues will emerge only if its aggressive oak elements soften with age. Try again in 3-4 years. Rated - 1 star (*)" From California Grapevine: "...Above average to superior quality. Drink this wine over the next several years, when we feel that it offers maximum enjoyment, although there is potential to last into the 1990s. Rating: Group 16.1/20; Editor 17/20" My point is not to challenge tesla!c-hunt's opinion of the wine; indeed I have never tasted it. However, I think it is appropriate to point out that (as usual) the opinions of reviewers tends to vary. In general, they seem to think that it is a very good cabernet, but not a great one. At $20/bottle perhaps better bargains can be found among the 81 bordeaux offerings now available. bob.