Beaulieu Vineyard- dust to dust

By Darryl Beeson

Positioned in the center of Napa Valley, Rutherford is a small town with a huge reputation and is the base of Beaulieu Vineyard's winery. Some refer to the mystical "Rutherford Dust" in the region's red wines. Beaulieu Vineyard's founding winemaker, Andre Tchelistcheff, observed, "It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet." He was correct.

A warm, dry spring followed the rainy winter, promoting early vine budbreak and an early onset of the growing season. The year’s higher than average rainfall ended with unseasonably warm temperatures in March. An extended heat spell in August and early September accelerated ripening, bringing full maturity earlier than usual. The smaller-than-average crop gave the 2004 BV wines notable concentration. Go to www.bvwines.com.

Beaulieu Vineyard "Tapestry" Reserve, Napa 2004
Price $45
Rating 94
The exact blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and only 1% Malbec. The 2004 Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry combines these five Bordeaux varietals into a well balanced wine. Aromas and flavors of deep, black cherry, wild blackberry, dark cassis, dark cocoa and cedar/oak character abound. Medium to full-bodied, firm structure dominants, with rich, ripe cherry-plum and herbacious-like Merlot adding layers. They use different oak barrels, over half being French, with the balance being American, Hungarian and even Russian.

The winery suggests that this wine makes a delicious complement to seared duck breast, mesquite grilled steak, filet mignon with shiitake mushrooms or roasted lamb.

Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2004
Price $100
Rating 95
The precise blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with a mere 5% Merlot for a little flesh. Georges de Latour is the classic, original “Reserve” California wine, based upon many decades of experience with some of Napa Valley’s most historic vineyards. The wine was aged for 21 months in oak barrels. There are intense aromas of black fruits, mocha, toast and wild fruit. Full bodied, with rich, smooth tannins, it presents deeply concentrated black currant, vanilla and exotic spice flavors.

Serve this winner with thick, grilled steak, rare and sliced on the bias with wine-soaked, grilled mushrooms in fresh herbs, and a light salad, easy on the vinegar. Roasted lamb might be a perfect pairing.

Beaulieu Vineyard "Dulcet" Reserve, Napa 2004
Price $37
Rating 93
The 75% Cabernet Sauvignon is countered by 25% Syrah, making a unique, non-traditional match. With this generous splash of Syrah, Dulcet is described as a New World interpretation of a Cabernet Sauvignon based blend. The Syrah adds pepper, leather and spiciness within its ripe fruit offering. There are ripe blackberry and dark cherry aromas and flavors throughout the long, complex length.

Serve the Dulcet with flame grilled meats, especially those marinated or rubbed with fresh herbs or freshly ground spices. Also, says the winery, consider ratatouille or grilled vegetables. Venison could be a great match.

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Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great food, wine, spirits and the unique destinations that provide such. He is American editor of www.wineontheweb.com and teaches for The International Sommelier Guild at www.internationalsommelier.com.