6 magnums per lot
Details
HEITZ MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Though there are other producers of California Cabernet Sauvignon and Heitz vinifies other vineyards of this varietal, the history of high quality Cabernet in the modern era was established and defined by this winning combination. Joe Heitz moved to the Napa Valley in the 1950s and worked at Beaulieu under the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff. Heitz soon started selling his own bulk wines, but truly found his stride when he bought fruit from Tom and Martha Mays 34 acre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1966. The dark cassis fruit and cedar notes, reminiscent of a first or second growth Pauillac, are augmented by the Californicated ripe fruit and distinctive mint/eucalyptus character. The 74 is a monumental wine aging at a glacier pace with the 85 not far behind in density. Not to be forgotten, Joe Heitzs consistency and meticulousness rendered strong efforts in many so-called weaker vintages in the 70s and 80s that are still drinking well today for a fraction of the price of the two aforementioned revered brethren. Unfortunately, this famed vineyard had to be replanted in the early 1990s, and its storied history was interrupted. Early tastings of the 97 and 99 vintages are promising and the quality will only increase with the age of the vines.
JC
Heitz Cellars, Martha's Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon--Vintage 1985
Napa Valley
Levels: into neck
In original carton
"In some tastings this wine has been controversial because it was alleged to have a damp, woody, musty character. In the March tasting (my seventh look at this brilliant wine), I found it once again to be clean and hardly controversial - unless explosive richness and ripeness, as well as gobs of sweet fruit presented in a full-bodied, powerful style are objectionable. The wine was more developed and open than I expected. The mint/eucalyptus character, which can be extremely intense in the Martha's Vineyard cuvee, was presented in a subtle fashion. Expansive and chewy, with superb ripe fruit and concentration, this wine should continue to drink well for 10-20 years." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, #98, (Apr 1995)
6 magnums per lot
Though there are other producers of California Cabernet Sauvignon and Heitz vinifies other vineyards of this varietal, the history of high quality Cabernet in the modern era was established and defined by this winning combination. Joe Heitz moved to the Napa Valley in the 1950s and worked at Beaulieu under the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff. Heitz soon started selling his own bulk wines, but truly found his stride when he bought fruit from Tom and Martha Mays 34 acre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in 1966. The dark cassis fruit and cedar notes, reminiscent of a first or second growth Pauillac, are augmented by the Californicated ripe fruit and distinctive mint/eucalyptus character. The 74 is a monumental wine aging at a glacier pace with the 85 not far behind in density. Not to be forgotten, Joe Heitzs consistency and meticulousness rendered strong efforts in many so-called weaker vintages in the 70s and 80s that are still drinking well today for a fraction of the price of the two aforementioned revered brethren. Unfortunately, this famed vineyard had to be replanted in the early 1990s, and its storied history was interrupted. Early tastings of the 97 and 99 vintages are promising and the quality will only increase with the age of the vines.
JC
Heitz Cellars, Martha's Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon--Vintage 1985
Napa Valley
Levels: into neck
In original carton
"In some tastings this wine has been controversial because it was alleged to have a damp, woody, musty character. In the March tasting (my seventh look at this brilliant wine), I found it once again to be clean and hardly controversial - unless explosive richness and ripeness, as well as gobs of sweet fruit presented in a full-bodied, powerful style are objectionable. The wine was more developed and open than I expected. The mint/eucalyptus character, which can be extremely intense in the Martha's Vineyard cuvee, was presented in a subtle fashion. Expansive and chewy, with superb ripe fruit and concentration, this wine should continue to drink well for 10-20 years." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, #98, (Apr 1995)
6 magnums per lot