Heitz Cellar
Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
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, 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
This was supposed to be much better vibtage than the 98. But we found it to be much juicier and bright with less mid range than the 98. Martha's Vineyard is always exceptional and unmistakably Martha's. But probably wouldn't buy this vintage again. On the other hand I'd like to try it in 10 more years. This has a LOT of life left in it. It was still big and fruity. Really surprising.
This was supposed to be much better vibtage than the 98. But we found it to be much juicier and bright with less mid range than the 98. Martha's Vineyard is always exceptional and unmistakably Martha's. But probably wouldn't buy this vintage again. On the other hand I'd like to try it in 10 more years. This has a LOT of life left in it. It was still big and fruity. Really surprising.
Mar 22nd, 2017
