Beaulieu Vineyard BV Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve 2018
(Rutherford, Napa Valley, California) - [JS 96] [VM 94] [JD 94] [WE 94]
Regular price $125.00 Sale price $79.97 Save $45.03
Rutherford is the heart of Napa Valley and home to Beaulieu Vineyard. For more than 20 years, our winemakers have crafted our Cabernet Sauvignon, which defines the unique expression of our Rutherford vineyards with rich dark berry and cocoa, accented by well-integrated oak spices for a long finish.
Notes from the Winemaker:
This inaugural 2018 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the epitome of the finest expression of our western Rutherford bench-land terroir, exhibiting an intense saturation of color, aromas and flavors. The expressive perfumed bouquet leaps from the glass with exuberant dark berry fruits. Notes of blackberry, black currant, black forest cake and Crème de cassis sit alongside floral violet, rose petal, rosemary and bay laurel, while lifted baking spice notes from the well-integrated oak barrel character, shows nuances of cedar, cinnamon, clove and caramel. On the palate, there is juicy, saturated black cherry, macerated red raspberry, supported by darker hints of espresso, mocha and bittersweet chocolate. The structured “Rutherford dust” tannins are full of grip and plushness, showcasing the signature cocoa powder texture and expansive mouthfeel. Rich, with depth and balance, leading to a generous velvety-smooth textured persistent finish, showing concentration and refinement. A classic example of the very best from the Rutherford appellation.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot
Oak Treatment: 21 months in 100% French oak (80% new barrels)
Ratings & Reviews
"This is so aromatic with redcurrants, flowers and crushed stones. Some bark and rose stem, too. Full-bodied, yet so refined and textured with a lovely finish of fruit and hints of berry and light chocolate. So delicious now, but will develop nicely in the bottle. Drink or hold." - July 5, 2021
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve is compelling. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice and spice are some of the many aromas and flavors that open in the glass. Rich and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 hits all the right notes. The Rutherford Reserve is sourced mostly from BV #1 and BV #2. Bright acids perk up the finish. Think of the Rutherford Reserve as a baby Georges de Latour that can be enjoyed pretty much on release." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2021)
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve is a deeper, richer wine with impressive chocolatey blackcurrant fruits as well as lots of tobacco, damp earth, camphor, and new leather-like aromas and flavors. It’s beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a great finish. I’d be thrilled to drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years or more." - Jeb Dunnuck (1/27/2021)
94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Tasting of blackberry and toasted oak, this richly layered wine is sumptuously built, with soft, well-integrated tannins. Elements of tobacco, cedar and sage figure into the fruity foundation, powerful in style with lasting grace." -VIRGINIE BOONE (11/1/2021)