George de Latour Private Reserve

[BrienD]

I inherited 2 bottles of 1981 Beaulieu Vineyard, estate bottled, Georges de latour, Private Reserve, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Does anyone know what the worth/history of this wine may be??? I have opened one of them, and it is really great!

Thanks

[Jerry D Mead]

It's too long a story to relate here (virtually the history of Beaulieu Vineyard), but BVPR is their top of the line wine, is one of America's most collected wines without being outrageously expensive. It was created by one of America's most famous 20th century winemakers, the late Andre Tchelistcheff (a former Lt. in the White Russian Army who was left for dead on a battlefield before escaping to Paris and agronimy school).

You can read a full account plus the history of most other California wines and wineries in the book The Wines of America by Leon Adams. It's still available in paperback.

Or you can call Beaulieu Vineyard at (707) 967-5200...I'm sure they'd be pleased to send you all the information you seek.