October 27, 2023 – In a significant recognition for the world of fine wines, Wine Spectator bestowed the prestigious title of “Wine Value of the Year” upon Beaulieu Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019, an exceptional wine that achieved an impressive score of 92 points and is priced at $33. This distinction marked the second time in the award’s history that wine had earned this honor, symbolizing a momentous accomplishment in the industry. The accolade is a testament to the dedication and expertise of one winemaker and his relentless pursuit of excellence over several years.
During recent blind tastings of California Cabernet, Wine Spectator’s Senior Editor and Special Projects Director, James Molesworth, had an exhilarating revelation. He noted a winery whose wines were outperforming their historical standards, particularly during the vintages of 2018 and 2019. Molesworth shared this revelation with the audience at the New York Wine Experience, expressing his surprise at the marked improvement. The winery in question was none other than Beaulieu.
Molesworth’s journey led him to Beaulieu Vineyard, where he discovered the driving force behind this resurgence – Winemaker Trevor Durling, who joined the winery in 2017. Durling, while respecting tradition, introduced subtle yet transformative changes to elevate the quality of Beaulieu’s wines. His innovative approach included repositioning vines for optimal grape ripening control, mitigating the typical Napa jamminess, and employing a lighter toasting process on barrels. These modifications have had a profound impact on Beaulieu Vineyard’s wines, making them stand out in the world of California Cabernet.
