Shay A

9.5

After missing a ‘70s and ‘80s Heitz vertical many years ago, I vowed to seek out a bottle as all the comments from the tasting were astoundingly positive. My last bottle of Heitz Martha’s was the ‘01 (which was great) a few years ago, but at 46yrs, this was quite the experience.

The ‘78 has a bit of a legendary status, so expectations were high. Upon opening, the cork was in good shape (sigh of relief) and the color was unbelievably dark ruby with some bricking (another sigh of relief). The singular signature menthol/eucalyptus began to fill the glass, alongside aromatics of red berry fruits, espresso, some sort of sweet brown sugar/caramel note, and a savory-graphite type note too. Beautifully elegant on the palate with more red fruit, herbs (bay leaf?), and even some pipe tobacco (subdued, not in your face), but it sports the classical old Napa cab profile that is pure. Spectacular wine, and I could simply smell the wine all day…the aromatics were so powerful the entire time.

Open in bottle for three hours and powered through the entire time. Wish I had another so I could have the same experience! — a day ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Opened another recently, legendary wine, said that in the 18th century was introduced to Sultan of Constantinople's palace b/c of its clarity and called "mineral water from Carbonnieux", defying Islamic law. Pale lemon with pronounce aromas of tropical and stone fruits with herb notes. On the palate flavors of melon, mango, apple, green herbs and a crisp mineral edge. Medium+ length, balanced acidity, ending with a fruit, citrus mineral character. Nice, aging well. — 3 years ago

Michael Aronovici

9.3

A legendary bottle that lived up to its hype. It drank beautifully and I believe can be enjoyed for many years to come. — 5 months ago

with Bruce

Ron Siegel

9.6

Legendary btl! 1st vintage for Clos du Mesnil — 2 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.6

Legendary vintage for PIchon — 3 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.3

Cuvée Karatas, not botrytized. A legendary wine from legendary vines: 140 year old Semillon vines from the majestic Monte Rosso vineyard. Sauv blanc on the nose, Semillon body. Still just a little baby wine with lots of promise. Right now this wine is all about texture and tension. Virtual bedrock tasting with Chris C. — 4 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

An amazing vintage for this legendary wine — a year ago

Ron Siegel

9.7

Youthful & fresh from this legendary wine — a year ago

Ron Siegel

9.6

Still youthful but what a great showing just behind the legendary 91 — 2 years ago

Ted Grigsby

9.1

Excellent. Big wine, balanced and flavorful — 4 years ago

with Kristin