Beaulieu Vineyards

Beaulieu Vineyards has been making wine in California for over one hundred years. The winery was originally established as a producer of better wines and has continued to do just that ever since its inception. For over thirty years, beginning in 1938, Beaulieu had the services of one of the greatest winemakers in modern history, Andre Tchelistcheff. It was Tchelistcheff who set the stylistic direction for the winery which has been faithfully followed ever since it was adopted.
History is a wonderful subject, but one cannot dwell on the history of a winery in relation to their current production. Beaulieu is still considered among California’s finest premium wineries and their latest vintages have received the highest accolades from every wine critic and magazine which says a great deal about the winery and its commitment to quality.

Beaulieu Vineyards 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon ($25). The Beaulieu Vineyards 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is the stylistic star of the vineyard. This wine has been crafted from grapes grown in an area of the Napa Valley known for producing the finest cabernet sauvignon grapes, the Rutherford Bench. Grapes grown there impart a dusty, mineral element to the wine along with a deep and positive flavor. 2006 was a cool growing year which is the best conditions for cabernet sauvignon grapes. The wine displays a berry and black cherry aroma all wrapped in the haunting mineral sensation of the Rutherford Bench. As the aroma opens, one can detect vanilla, oak and spice. The flavor concentrates on a mineral laced black cherry, licorice, cocoa, and oak. The tannins are restrained and modestly soft, but not too soft. The finish too is cherry based with the signature Rutherford minerals still in evidence. Andre Tchelistcheff would have been proud of this vintage.

Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve 1992 Tapestry ($20). This wine is a Meritage, a blend of the classical grapes varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot merged in the true Bordeaux tradition. While this wine utilizes a classical Bordeaux style of blending, it is in no way a French copy but it is pure California. The grapes come from two different areas, the central Napa Valley and the Rutherford region. The Rutherford Grapes contribute a herbaceous, earthy quality and a hint of green pepper and tobacco to the aroma as well as a brilliant black current flavor. The Napa Valley grapes add the flavors and aromas of dark summer fruits. Together they produce a deep ruby colored wine of incredible depth, warmth and charm. While this wine can be enjoyed right now, it is perfect for cellaring, for as long as twenty years. We believe this is a wine not to be missed.

Beaulieu Vineyards 2006 Napa Cabernet ($18.99) Very much a Beaulieu Cabernet Sauvignon, big, full flavored and an absolute delight. There is nothing stuffy or overly pretentious about this wine. The aroma is a balance of cherries, cassis and just the right amount of oak. These aromas carry through to the flavor along with a fine balance between the acid and the tannin. This wine will be in its prime for the next eight to ten years. The Beaulieu Vineyards 2006 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect wine to serve with the rich, full flavored foods.

Beaulieu Vineyards 2006 Napa Valley Merlot ($18.99). The cool growing conditions that produced such a fine cabernet sauvignon blessed the merlot grapes in a similar manner. This wine is a blend of merlot grapes grown throughout the Napa Valley, so there is no specific area signature. None the less, this wine is a standout. The aroma is dominated by ripe cherry and black plum with suggestions of herbs, chocolate and licorice. The flavor is mostly cherry with a hint of vanilla and oak. Some of the grapes must have comes from Rutherford because there is a bit of the areas signature earthiness to be found. This too is an excellent wine of great character and refinement. It was a pleasure to drink.