BV Was There: 2000 to 2010, Exciting Experimentation

At the turn of the millennium, we celebrated our 100th anniversary by presenting the inaugural Maestro Award in memory of iconic winemaker André Tchelistcheff. Led and staffed by teams who’d honed their craft with André in the early days or during his return in the late ’80s, BV was poised to get back to its roots and reclaim its place among the pioneers of California winemaking.  

Although the era started with disaster, nothing could dampen the indomitable spirit of our teams. From the next crucial step in our clone journey to a new aging program, the stage was set for a re-energized era of renown. 

2000: BV loses 3,000 cases of Reserve Carneros Sparkling Wine in a fire. 

2008: A collaboration with UC Davis that began in the ‘80s under Winemaker Joel Aiken led at long last to the introduction of our Clone 4, Clone 6, and 169 programs. The most extensive clonal assessment ever undertaken in California not only pinpointed Cabernet Sauvignon vines that would best express our terroir but provided critical viticultural findings that benefited the entire wine industry. Today, these distinguished clones have become mainstays of our Rutherford vineyards. They are truly worthy of their own limited-production wines, crafted for the palates of experienced collectors. 

Clone 4 

The Mendoza clone, originally from Argentina: Beaulieu Vineyard is one of only three Napa Valley wineries that offer Clone 4 as a single-clone bottling. Lush, full-bodied, and fragrant with dark plum and anise. The wonderfully complex palate offers black cherry, licorice, and bittersweet chocolate balanced with a touch of herbal character and spice.  

Clone 6 

The Jackson clone: Presents rich, muscular aromas of ripe, late-summer blackberries and dried black currants. The palate is strong, rich, and concentrated with flavors of ripe wild berries, black pepper, anise, and minty oak. Originally planted at the University of California Cupertino agricultural station in the 1880s, Clone 6 is a rare jewel among Cabernet clones. 

Clone 169 

Introduced to the US by UC Davis in 2003, this clone has gained popularity in all major Cabernet-growing regions with very good reason. Big, bold, and plush, it opens with aromas of cassis, blueberry, plum, violet, and bittersweet chocolate. The savory, structured palate offers dried cranberry, black tea, and chamomile.  

2009: Jeffrey Stambor joins BV as Head Winemaker. 

2010: For the first time, our Georges de Latour Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% aged in French oak. Because it imparts subtler oak nuances than American oak, French oak aligns perfectly with the ideal profile for our flagship wine.