The 2020 season had a warm, dry winter and the rains with the cooler weather did not arrive until late March. Although the mild spring season had a great early start, the summer brought very cool mornings and very hot days. Although the red harvest produced a smaller yield, which proved to be one of the most challenging harvests in history, the winemakers remained optimistic and very complimentary about the high quality this year brought. The resulting 2020 wines are of very high quality with concentrated flavors and excellent acidity, especially for varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. They select grapes from the best Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Rutherford (BV Ranches No. 1 and No. 2, originally planted by Georges de Latour in the early 20th century). The grapes were hand-picked and selectively sorted once they arrived at the winery, to ensure the selection of the highest quality. These specially chosen vines are deeply rooted in the well-drained alluvial fan soils of Rutherford, considered one of the best regions in the Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon. Part of the wine was fermented in new French oak barrels, which allowed for early integration and enhanced the dense, rich texture. The remainder of the must was fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks, preserving the freshness of the grapes. After extended skin contact, the wine was pressed and sent back to barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation. A small amount of Petit Verdot was blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon to further enhance the aroma and flavor profile of the wine. They work very closely with barrel makers, ensuring the style and consistency of the barrel is just right. The wine is made from 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 24 months in French oak (95% new barrels). The Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 has a fragrant bouquet of ripe dark berries, grape compote, black cherry, orange peel and black plum, alongside savoury perfumed notes of wild violet. rose petals, fresh green mint, bay leaf and earth. Warm baking spice notes from the influence of French oak barrels add vanilla and caramel notes. Saturated dark fruit is present and voluminous on the palate, with a mouth-coating structure, with density and enveloping richness. Full and multi-layered secondary notes of bittersweet dark chocolate, savoury umami, leather, tobacco leaf and graphite add additional nuance and complexity. The characteristic “Rutherford Dust” tannins are pronounced, framing the wine and providing a firm grip, with a chewy, cocoa powdery texture. The palate is lively and fresh with a balanced acidity. Certainly to age for many years to come. FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address