Heitz Cellar "Lot C-91" Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 95] [WS 93] [WE 93] [WA 92]

About the Winery: 
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. In April, 2018, Heitz Cellar entered an exciting new chapter as this rich legacy was passed into the hands of the Lawrence family, whose deep roots in agriculture and commitment to the same core values of fine winemaking made it a perfect match. The wines are made with an unwavering commitment to quality from organically farmed, 100% Napa Valley fruit, and a commitment to the sustainability of Napa Valley.

Winemaker Notes:
The origin of Lot C-91 begins in the fall of 1969 with the idea that through meticulous site selection and assemblage, we can create something more significant than the sum of its parts. This historical cuvée is sourced exclusively from the renowned single vineyards of Heitz Cellar and showcases a most unique expression of the terroir of the Napa Valley.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed sustainably and certified organic by CCOF and Certified Fish Friendly Farming.

Appellations: Rutherford AVA, Oakville AVA, Howell Mountain AVA, St. Helena AVA

Aging: Two years in a combination of new and used large oak casks and small barriques with an additional year of bottle age before release.

Tasting Notes:

The palate exhibits the density and length that only the truly great wines of the world are capable of. The soft expression of red and black fruits are a result of harvesting earlier while the fruit is still fresh and vibrant and having patience as the wine undergoes one of the longest aging regimens in the region. A clear differentiation between the Napa Valley Cabernet and the Lot C-91 is the presence of savory elements such as sage, rosemary, cured meats, and black pepper. This patient approach allows for the integration of tannin, alcohol, acidity, and fruit. The result is a wine of incredible complexity and harmony, that is true to the place it comes from.

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points - Decanter:
"In 1969, Joe Heitz made a cuvée that was more outstanding than his Napa Cabernet, but not a single-vineyard bottling. In 2018, after the winery was bought by Gaylon Lawrence Jr., the team at Heitz discovered four bottles and decided they should set out to recreate Joe’s experiment. It is the boldest of the bunch: a delicious hedonistic pleasure filled red with excellent balance and teeming with pure dark fruit notes, rich earthen spices, dried purple florals, cedarwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate — a firm acid backbone frames fine-grained tannins. There is plenty of richness, balanced by tension and energy. Lawrence Wine Estates Master Sommelier and CEO Carlton McCoy calls it the ‘uber Napa cuvee’ and the best multi-site expression of Heitz for the vintage." Drink 2023-2045. - Jonathan Cristaldi (February 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Expressive, with a bold menthol note followed quickly by boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors wrapped in black licorice. The long finish has a tug of earth amid a generally velvety feel, while the menthol note curls around the fruit. Distinctive. Drink now through 2038. 5,496 cases made." - James Molesworth (November 2023)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This robust, well-structured wine hugs tasty black cherries, black olives and charcoal flavors in firm tannins and will certainly improve and expand with time. Meaty, black peppery accents join with the herbs and black fruits for a complex, concentrated expression. best from 2026-2036." - Jim Gordon (September 2023)