The 2022 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional, with a beautifully expressive nose full of ripe berry fruit aromas of raspberry, red currant, black cherry and black currant, alongside hints of fresh chaparral herbs like wild lavender, violet and rose, fresh mint, sage, bay laurel and juniper berry. Perfumed exotic spice notes from the well-integrated aging in new French oak barrels adds vanilla, cedar, clove and cinnamon, and also supports the lush fruit, showcasing the depth, concentration, and balance of this extraordinary Cabernet. Full-bodied with breadth and weight, the rich expansive palate is layered with robust flavors of black cherry, red currant, thyme, leather, sweet tobacco leaf and rose petal.
Signature “Rutherford Dust” tannins add a velvety-rich, cocoa-powder texture, supple length and firm presence to the lengthy finish, while secondary notes of earth, clay, dark chocolate and espresso dance on the palate until your next sip. The mouthwatering palate is silky, ethereal and sinewy, with a line of vibrant acidity, while also seamlessly integrating with the full-bodied texture, crafting a wine that is nuanced, indulgent and plentiful, offering layers of complexity, depth and structure. Inviting and beguiling now, this Cabernet is youthful and spirited, but will surely allow for age-worthiness for many years to come, if you can keep your hands off it.
Critic Ratings
Wine Spectator Review - Rated 91:
This embraces the warm vintage well, offering an inky and generous core of well-steeped cassis and plum fruit that is married to a strong tug of roasted cedar and loam notes. Offers enough flesh to feel filled in and enough drive through the finish to show length. Late chestnut and walnut husk hints add a touch of old school. Best from 2026 through 2034. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 5,950 cases made.
James Suckling Review - Rated 96:
Power and grace come together beautifully in this long-running classic from a 125-year-old Napa winery. So rich, layered, structured and age-worthy. Now blended with about 20% of grapes grown in different locations around the valley but centered on Rutherford-grown fruit. The addition of 9% petit verdot gives an inky dark component and floral, violet accents. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.
