Heitz Cellar "Martha's Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
(Napa Valley, California) - [WA 98] [VM 97] [WS 94] [WE 93]

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.

Standing in Martha’s Vineyard, you quickly realize why this site consistently produces a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard receives gentle morning and early afternoon sunlight and is sheltered from the heat of the late afternoon sun by the mountains. This allows for longer hang time and Martha’s Vineyard is, historically, one of the last vineyards we pick. This ability to leave the fruit on the vine longer than other sites allows for concentration of flavor and softening of tannin to produce a wine so pure in its expression of place. The consistency in showcasing Martha’s Vineyard’s unique mint, bay leaf, dark berry and chocolate notes year after year is a reminder of why this vineyard has commanded a faithful following since the 1966 vintage.

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:

98 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Heitz's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard is one of the best vintages I can remember tasting. Loaded with blackcurrants, it also carries hints of camphor and mocha on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is rich and concentrated, and the vibrant, long-lasting finish is framed by oodles of soft tannins. Readers may want to note that beginning in 2025, grapes from this historic 30-acre site may be sold to other producers, although Heitz is expected to continue to make this bottling from "their" portions of the vineyard." - Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2025)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha’s Vineyard is such a classic wine. The bouquet alone is a dead giveaway. Soaring floral and savory top notes make a strong opening statement. Medium in body and pliant, with terrific persistence, the 2019 is dripping with the essence of site. This is an archetype of Napa Valley classicism with modern purity of red fruit. (Drink between 2024-2044). - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2024)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"An expressive version, with a lovely mint accent leading off, backed by long and sleek notes of cassis, plum coulis and iris. A loamy tug runs underneath, and there's a flash of iron at the very end. Still a touch tight. No rush here. Best from 2026 through 2040." - James Molesworth (Nov 2024)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Woodsy aromatics become minty on the palate with lighter flavors of red and black currants, and savory sea salt. Decidedly bright with a focus on acidity delivers a leaner style with more spindly tannins, and a long finish." - Elaine Chukan Brown (Oct 2025)