Beaulieu Vineyard, Napa Valley (California) 2009

I confess that I have somehow managed to lose touch with what is going on at Beaulieu Vineyard lately. But am I ever starting to regret that all of a sudden. The 2009 Georges de Latour Private Reserve that I tasted recently was stunningly good, and this is excellent, showing very expressive fruit that is packed with aroma and flavor but yet doesn’t seem remotely un-natural or manipulated or concocted. With both red and black fruit notes, soft texture (but plenty of finishing grip to stand up to serous food), and remarkably well integrated wood, this is indicative of superb work in both the vineyard and the cellar at every step. Bloody impressive. Platinum Award winner at the 2013 San Diego International Wine Competition.