Every now and then, we get a super special vintage wine that we can’t help but rave about. If you’re looking for something rare, unique or just unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, look no further than these featured wines!
2016 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville, Napa Valley, USA
Producer
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 1950s, 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. Fifty eight years of the Heitz family’s dedication to viticulture, stewardship and classic winemaking maintained the winery’s notoriety as a benchmark amongst its peers in California and Europe.
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.
Their prized estate vineyards are planted in six of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, including Oakville, where this special wine is from. This allows them to give an incredible breadth of diversity in terroir, allowing them to craft wines that are a pure representation of place. They are proud to be a leader in agricultural stewardship as 100% of their vineyards are grown certified CCOF organic, with a move towards biodynamic farming in the near future.
Vintage characteristics
Tucked against the Mayacamas mountains in the celebrated Oakville AVA, with fertile, well-drained soil and afternoon shade, this superior site is home to the unique proprietary cabernet clone which has brought this vineyard legendary status. The Martha’s Vineyard 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, as historically, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the last vineyards they pick. This ability to leave the fruit on the vine longer than other sites allows for concentration of flavour and softening of tannin to produce a wine 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 its 1966 vintage.
Martha’s Vineyard is their flagship wine and a true Napa Valley icon. Wine Spectator named this wine #3 on their Top 100 list of best wines in 2021!
Winemaking
The exclusive Cabernet “Martha’s Clone” is known for producing small berries with an intensely purple hue, deeply concentrated flavour and a distinctive minty aroma.
During aging, only the best barrels from the vineyard are selected and bottled as the Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
Spends a year in neutral oak tanks after fermentation, allowing the wine to settle and refine itself.
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.
Taste profile
Notes of wild black fruit, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, and bay leaf
Polished tannins, full-bodied and rich, nicely balancing richness and texture against linear shape, freshness and focus, and picking up hints of blueberries and spice on the long, mouthwatering finish
Aging
The 2016 Martha’s Vineyard has been aged to perfection for immediate enjoyment at release but will continue to reward for the next 20+ years.
Price
We price this wine at $484.99
All photos from HeitzCellar.com
Comments