Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (75cl, 14.7%)

A full-bodied Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at 14.7% ABV. Beaulieu Vineyard was founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour in Rutherford, Napa Valley, and later gained renown under André Tchelistcheff. The wine draws fruit from Rutherford, Calistoga and St. Helena, fermented to dryness in stainless steel, then aged 15 months in 60-gallon oak barrels. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Charbono, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Touriga Nacional. The nose shows ripe blackberry, Bing cherry, mocha, unsweetened cocoa, chaparral sagebrush and cedar spice. The palate is juicy, with black currant, cassis, blackberry compote, dark chocolate, cola, ripe plum and fine powdered tannins. The finish has focused tannins, cedar, dark chocolate and faint mintiness.