Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour was made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 22 months in oak barrels, 76% new, 57% French and 43% American. Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, the nose slowly unfurls to reveal baked blackcurrants, stewed plums and dried mulberries with touches of dried leaves, pencil lead, cigar box and beef drippings. Medium-bodied with an alcohol of 13.6% and a pH of 3.9 (suggesting relatively low acidity), the tannins are ripe, firm and velvety textured, framing tons of black fruit preserves flavors and savory nuances, finishing on a lingering menthol note. Still packing plenty of fruit, while this is drinking beautifully now there is no rush to drink. 9,500 cases with produced.
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.