Heitz Cellar "Martha's Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
(Napa Valley, California) - [WA 96] [WS 95, #3 Top 100 of 2021]

Winemaker Notes:

Hidden in the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountains on the alluvial fan of western Oakville, Martha’s Vineyard continues to embody the pedigree of being named the first single vineyard designated wine in Napa Valley. The 2017 vintage showcases incredible concentration from this warm-weather vintage: Notes of ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and sweet bay are lifted and enjoyed with the robust yet soft tannin and mouthwatering freshness. The 2017 Martha’s Vineyard has been aged to perfection in our cellar and will continue to reward for the next 20+ years. 

The exclusive cabernet “Martha’s Clone” is known for producing small berries with an intensely purple hue, deeply concentrated flavor and a distinctive minty aroma. During aging, only the best barrels from the vineyard are selected and bottled as our Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Spending a year in neutral oak tanks after fermentation, the wine is allowed to settle and refine itself. Next, it is barreled down to hand-selected, 100% new French Limousin oak wide-grain barrels, allowing a slow and gentle integration of the toast and vanilla characteristics from the barrel to marry with the wine. Three years later, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet is ready to bottle whereupon it continues to mature gracefully for another full year before being released from the cellar. A wine full of balance and unique, almost mysterious qualities, Martha’s Vineyard is our flagship wine and a true Napa Valley icon.

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard barely hints at eucalyptus on the nose, with much more emphasis given to black cherries and cassis. This is full-bodied and rich, nicely balancing richness and texture against linear shape and focus and picking up hints of blueberries and spice on the long, mouthwatering finish. With 112 barrels having been bottled, there's a fair bit of this wine to go around, if one can afford it." Drink 2023-2035. - Joe Czerwinski (May 2022)

#3 Top 100 of 2021, 95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This throws off an overt and alluring mint aroma, while sweet bay leaf, violet, damson plum, red tea and steeped griotte notes all glide through together, carried by remarkably fine-grained tannins. Ends with a gentle echo of mint on the finish, while a subtle minerality chimes through as well. A stylish and suave wine, with plenty of charm now, but also pristine balance for cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2038. 2,500 cases made." - James Molesworth (November 2021)