Winemaker Notes
Dark ruby-violet in color, the 1998 Georges de Latour demonstrates the benefits of judicious green-harvesting during a difficult vintage. Strongly aromatic, the wine reveals classic Rutherford scents of black-cherry, mineral, green and black peppercorn with anise. The flavors are ripe, yet less opulent than in 1997, reflecting the long cool growing season. Rich in berry , mineral , and mild herb flavors, with a supple, lively texture and very fruit forward, the fine, yet firm tannins provide a solid structure to insure at least a decade of improvement is ahead. A youthful hint of vanilla-oak in the finish will harmonize with the rich fruit in time.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Has a very good, solid core of ripe berry and raspberry character. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a medium finish. A bit one-dimensional but with an outstanding concentration of fruit.
Barrel Sample: 90-93
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.