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! — 3 days ago

Jeff Miller

9.5

Fantastic Napa cab that’s in a beautiful spot right now. Well balanced. Notes of Blackberry, Cassis, Pencil Shavings, Mint, and that ever present Rutherford Dust. — 7 days ago

with Ted

Dennis Michael

9.2

Easy drinking, smooth — 13 hours ago

Raul Puga

10

Celebrating my baby girl’s 21st with an amazing bottle. A bit sweet to start but as it opened up it evolved through the night and was utterly amazing. The 10 is for my daughter but the wine is a solid 9.7. Decanted for an hour — 3 days ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

Good wine but not the style I personally enjoy. — 5 days ago

Herb Listen

9.1

Ordered from First cellar fall 2024. Gave one to James & Stacey — 3 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Enjoyed alongside some other Napa legends from the 80’s and 90’s. The 1985 is lovely and came more than willing, with a mix of tart, ripe and desiccated red fruits, Montmorency cherries, red currants, graphite, toasted coconut, leather and nuts. There was a slightly sherried character early on the nose but the structure seemed to defy age. No need to cellar further as this is delicious now and well stored examples should continue to be through 2030+. — 24 days ago

Conrad Green

9.2

Touch and type. Confit lemon, corn, honey. Nice acidity and presence. — 9 days ago

with Gregg and Rick

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Medium ruby color. Aromas of cherry cola, lavender, caramel and cocoa. Ridiculously amazing! Soft delicate flavors or cherry and black tea finish. — 18 days ago

with Quentin

Berry Marinussen

9.5

a 33 year old American....wow! 😍 — 3 days ago