2017 Martha's Vineyard

Tasting notes:

In the mid-1960s, an agreement was made between Joe Heitz and Tom May to source Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from May’s small Oakville vineyard for Heitz wines. Ever since 1966, Heitz Cellar has been crafting the now illustrious Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, one of their three vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons. Only the best barrels from the vineyard are selected. Aged for four years in old and new French barrels. Incredible concentration of deep berries, damson plums and chocolate with a wild note of brambles, couched within an enveloping menthol and eucalyptus scent. This is a masterclass in balance, dancing from foot to foot like a prize boxer, providing punchiness, texture, and wildness, all while being agile, utterly in control, and poised. The finish is a wondrous and feels almost endless but also smoot and velvety.

Producer description:

Family owned since its founding in 1961, Heitz Cellar’s legacy runs as deep as the roots throughout the Napa Valley; a winery legend that has helped shape the history of Napa Valley winemaking. In the late 1950’s, pioneering vintner Joe Heitz ushered in Napa’s modern era with his iconic, globally celebrated wines, including Napa Valley’s first vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon, the renowned Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard.