About the Wine

This is a wine that shows the artistry of blending five Bordeaux-heritage grape varieties, which contributed layer-upon-layer of flavor complexity. Each grape variety is grown and vinified to showcase it to the highest standard BV knows. Once the wine has finished fermentation, the blending begins. Only once the blend is just right, does the wine get put in barrels. The final product is nothing short of extraordinary, with the little extra bottle age on this, it is just now stepping into its drinking window. 

Called the "beautiful place", Beaulieu holds a distinguished place in the history of California wine production. After selling his cream of tartar business in 1900, Georges de Latour built a winery business and sold sacramental wine during Prohibition. During WWII he met Andre Tchelistcheff (essentially the godfather of quality winemaking in California) in France and the Bordeaux-Napa cultural and professional exchange began.

"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignons are gorgeous wines endowed with striking aromatic intensity, nuance and depth. Over time, the wines have fleshed out beautifully. The 2016s have decidedly dark flavor profiles similar to 2013 and 2014, but softer curves and more voluptuousness than either of those two vintages." - Antonio Galloni

In 2016 the extended drought was beginning to cause real concern, but some welcomed winter rain hinted at the relief to come. After a relatively dry January, everyone enjoyed significant rainfall in February, along with mild temperatures. Bud break was early but was slowed by heavy April showers. While still early by historical standards, picking began about a week later than 2015, right around Labor Day, and continued at a leisurely pace, allowing the grapes to reach full flavor maturity. A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter showing of 2015, and the extended mild season helped to balance the acids and add complexity to the layers of flavors. Considered a perfect harvest and a winemaker's dream vintage, conditions were perfect for producing a Cabernet with beautiful fruit as well as a tremendous concentration of flavors, highly saturated color, and layers of complexity.

Beaulieu Vineyard Winemaker Trevor Durling presides as only the fifth winemaker in the winery’s 119-year history. A native Californian, Trevor was raised in Sonoma County, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. With a love of agriculture, science, and cuisine, Trevor pursued his studies at the University of California Davis in the Viticulture and Enology program. As a winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, Trevor incorporates his passion for creating fine wines, while preserving the heritage and legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard.

Aging: 22 months in 75% New French Oak Barrels

Tasting Notes: Red wine, dark in color, this wine jumps out of the glass with aromas of dark fruits, blackberries, and plums, escorted by light herbal notes of sage and violets. On the palate, the wine is rather rich and full, showcasing a nice tight tannic structure. 

Reviews

A tight and deep wine with a beautiful center palate of currants, berries, lemon rind and silky tannins. Rich and opulent, yet fresh. Lightly chewy with a caressing texture. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 11% merlot with malbec, petit Verdot and cabernet franc. Drink after 2020. ~93 James Suckling