Napa Valley, California, USA
Anytime an older Heitz Martha’s is open, it’s a treat. I’ve tried to acquire a few random bottles over the years and they have consistently impressed (‘78 and ‘01, specifically). My first early ‘90s vintage.
Quick double decant to simply get the wine off sediment as it wouldn’t be consumed from a decanter at the location I would be at.
In my experience, the distinct and typical eucalyptus notes jump right at pop, but this bottle was a little subdued early on. After an hour with the cork out, the eucalyptus, herbs, cedar and red fruit made their entrance. Compared to the ‘91 Hartwell I opened a few months ago, this was more elegant and less dense on the mid-palate. If not for the eucalyptus, I could see this being called left bank Bordeaux with 30yrs on it. Gained some darker red/underripe black fruit notes the longer it was open. Beautiful length at the finish. Bright acidity and tannin. Not getting better, but a wonderful drinking window to enjoy now.
Anytime an older Heitz Martha’s is open, it’s a treat. I’ve tried to acquire a few random bottles over the years and they have consistently impressed (‘78 and ‘01, specifically). My first early ‘90s vintage.
Quick double decant to simply get the wine off sediment as it wouldn’t be consumed from a decanter at the location I would be at.
In my experience, the distinct and typical eucalyptus notes jump right at pop, but this bottle was a little subdued early on. After an hour with the cork out, the eucalyptus, herbs, cedar and red fruit made their entrance. Compared to the ‘91 Hartwell I opened a few months ago, this was more elegant and less dense on the mid-palate. If not for the eucalyptus, I could see this being called left bank Bordeaux with 30yrs on it. Gained some darker red/underripe black fruit notes the longer it was open. Beautiful length at the finish. Bright acidity and tannin. Not getting better, but a wonderful drinking window to enjoy now.
What a special treat! Birth vintage 🥳🎉
What a special treat! Birth vintage 🥳🎉
1 person found it helpfulMar 26th, 2021
Tasted blind. Deep purple. Opaque. Exotic nose with notes of eucalyptus, plum, spice and menthol. Ethereal. Rich in the mouth. Seemed old at first but with air this blossomed. Still young and vibrant. Really nice. Exotic. Guessed Heitz Martha Vineyards 70's.
Tasted blind. Deep purple. Opaque. Exotic nose with notes of eucalyptus, plum, spice and menthol. Ethereal. Rich in the mouth. Seemed old at first but with air this blossomed. Still young and vibrant. Really nice. Exotic. Guessed Heitz Martha Vineyards 70's.
Jun 24th, 2017
Signature notes of eucalyptus are just leaping out of the glass backed by cassis. Beautifully balanced.
Signature notes of eucalyptus are just leaping out of the glass backed by cassis. Beautifully balanced.
Sep 6th, 2015Minty fresh, classic Martha's.
Minty fresh, classic Martha's.
Aug 20th, 2015
Still fresh and lively, with crushed herbs, and lingering ripe red fruits
Still fresh and lively, with crushed herbs, and lingering ripe red fruits
Mar 28th, 2015Minty and delicious.
Minty and delicious.
Nov 12th, 2014
A treat. A lot can happen in 32 years. From this bottle that is good.
A treat. A lot can happen in 32 years. From this bottle that is good.
Feb 5th, 2023
Really shows the famous Martha’s mint aromatically, somewhat dry and still very structured on the palate and into the solid finish, very good but not as fine as the Martha’s from the 1970s.
Really shows the famous Martha’s mint aromatically, somewhat dry and still very structured on the palate and into the solid finish, very good but not as fine as the Martha’s from the 1970s.
Mar 29th, 2020
