Beaulieu Vineyard Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2019   

Grapes: A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, hand picked,  aged 21 months in French oak barrels (80% new)

Producer Tasting Note:

The 2019 vintage marks the second release of this Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a true epitome of the finest expression of 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.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Deep black-fruit flavors, moderate tannins and a sense of good density make this wine from one of Napa's oldest producers impressive. Cloves, cedar, blackberries and a touch of anise combine for good complexity on the palate. Best from 2026–2032."

94/100 points, Jim Gordon, WINE ENTHUSIAST, December 2022

"BV Reserve is a new addition to the lineup that some call a mini Georges de Latour. The fruit comes from many of the ranches that made up the history of the Rutherford property for more than 100 years and is mostly all West Bench fruit. Be prepared to be stunned by the quality of a cabernet sauvignon, now selected to be only one-third of its former volume. Unlike the many dead fruit wines that have plagued Napa, this new BV Reserve hums with vibrancy and life on the palate. The mix is 85% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, and 5% malbec, delivering a whack of flavour but again with more subtlety than you might expect. Cherries, mulberries, plum jam, an underlying minerality, and a bed of floral notes add length and complexity that doesn't quit. The tannins are dense but ripe and structurally keep the wine somewhat taut through the finish. This is Rutherford in all its glory."

94/100 points, Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine, August 2023

"The outstanding 2019 ‘Rutherford Reserve’ by Beaulieu Vineyard is a outstanding blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec that was stored for 21 months in all new French oak before bottling. Alluring aromatics greet you with fresh sage, dark rose petals and potpourri alongside shades of Turkish coffee grounds. The palate reveals a smooth texture, with serious weight and great underlying verve. Bright with mouth-watering acidity, this is concentrated, broad-shouldered Cabernet that will cellar well for another fifteen plus years to come."  Drink 2024-2040

94/100 points, Owen Bargreen, January 2024

Food Match: Ribeye steak, roast lamb with herbs, gourmet cheese burgers, vegetarian smoked tofu with lentils, aged cheddar or blue cheese