Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

When in doubt, a sure bet is a well aged, good vintage Heitz. @Eric Shanks

I intended to grab an 06 but, mistakenly grabbed an 07. I’ve not had one of my 06’s yet...next weekend.

The one thing I do every time I open one of my ten year or older Heitz Napa Cabernet’s is smile & think, this was sub $35 at Costco. It’s the wine feeling/definition of stealing candy from babies.

The nose is a beautiful harmony of fruit, earth and florals. Steeped, somewhat stewed, candied fruits of; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of purple fruits; boysenberries, ollieberries, & mulberries. Dark, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, touch of incense, fire ambers, dark spices with violets palate heat, chocolate pudding, vanilla, light; cinnamon, clove & nutmeg, dark chocolate, caramel, sweet, soft, dark spice, dark berry cola, dark cherry kirsch, dark, rich earth, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, dry top soil, moist clay, understated herbs & dry brush, brewed coffee, mint, some sage & bay leaf, tobacco, dry, old leather with amazing, fresh & slightly withering & candied; dark, red, blue, purple with a violet & lavender frame. The acidity is splendid. The long, ripe, ruby, lush, elegant, well crafted balance of fruit & earth is delicious and persists endlessly with a dark spice on the long set.

The body is; delightful, ripe, rich, lush & full. The structure, tension, length and balance are woven in a perfect tapestry. This 07 has another 10-15 years easily. The tannins are rounded, smooth but, still have a dark, chewy, tarriness with baby teeth. The beauty of the vintage is on full display. Steeped, somewhat stewed, candied fruits of; dark currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of purple fruits; boysenberries, ollieberries, & mulberries. Dark, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, touch of incense, fire ambers, chocolate pudding, vanilla, light; cinnamon, clove & nutmeg, dark & milk chocolate, caramel, sweet, soft, dark spice, dark berry cola, dark cherry kirsch, dark, rich earth, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, dry top soil, moist clay & dry brush, brewed coffee, mint, tobacco, dry, old leather with amazing, fresh & slightly withering & candied ; dark, red, blue, purple with a violet & lavender frame. The acidity is perfect. The finish is; rich, ripe, ruby, candied, well balanced fruit & earth, elegant and long sets into velvety, round tannins and mid dark spices.

Photos of; the winery, tasting patio, old basket press and wide shot of the winery & Estate vines. — 6 years ago

Robert Wright

9.2

A dense, dark ruby wine! Blackberries and hints of blueberries and vanilla on nose. Attack is bold dark fruit, rich with blackberries and black cherries. Vanilla and cocoa appear in mid. Finish is long with bitter dark fruit, vanilla and pepper. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Great wine enjoyed with friends! — 8 years ago

Peter Keohan

9.2

Good color lovely nose rich and long clean — 9 years ago

Mick Foy

10

As good as it gets for my taste. Big dark full bodied red with rich flavor and smooth finish. — 10 years ago

Parquita Donelon

9.2

Bold and beautiful! — 11 years ago

Julia Indik

9.2

Rich and deep flavors with chocolate, orange and hint of smoke. — 7 years ago

Marco Rodriguez

9.0

Bold wine. Earthy, tabbaco, smoke and spice. Good tannins and light acidity at end. — 7 years ago

LM Segal

9.1

Very good but not great Tig; younger than it should’ve been, rich. — 8 years ago

Allison Rich

9.4

Rich, full bodied cab. Notes of toasted oak and coffee. Great finish. Delicious just opened and even better after aerating/breathing. — 8 years ago

Kalpesh J

9.1

This drinks bold, can be paired with food or without. So damn good. Another bottle please. — 8 years ago

Matt Gaydos

9.5

Rich and creamy. Great yellow color. Fruity, vanilla oak smell. Layered flavors. Vanilla, buttery, soft spice as it finishes. — 10 years ago

JJ Lumia

9.3

Blackberry jam and black pepper, with a memorable, spicy finish. Rich and savory, this oozes flavor. Massive QPR. Stock up. It won't last long. — 10 years ago

Nadine M

9.9

Rich berry fruit with layers of Christmas spices and tobacco. Pretty damn close to perfection! — 13 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.5

Last night in MT at the lake. Gave this several hours of air. Nice dark tawny color. Vibrant in the glass. The nose is great right away and stayed on point through the evening. Notes of black cherries, warm raspberries, old cedar, some plums and a little leather saddle. Rich and silky in the mouth. Velvet glove. Long finish. Great wine. — 7 years ago

Brendan Baker

9.4

Rich and layered... love Krug MV ⚡️😋 — 7 years ago

Andrea Watt

9.1

Smooth, rich cherry and smoke. — 8 years ago

Richard Hylton

9.3

Fantastic. Rich dark berry fruit with leathery sweet nose. Really lovely paired with roasted wild ducks. — 8 years ago

Matt Brock

9.3

Brought out the good stuff for V-Day. Aerated and decanted this bottle of beast for over an hour. Intensely rich fruit, rounded out by tannins that have clearly softened given the age of this wine. So rare to experience a bottle of this magnitude. The first few sips have been absolute heaven, and the balance will surely get better. — 9 years ago

with Jennifer

Nick Stinnett

9.1

Smooth and rich with a great finish. — 10 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.2

Very nice with rich spicy fruit — 10 years ago