Heitz Cellar

Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.455 ratings
9.424 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Many panned the 98 Napa vintage. Tasted young, it wasn’t all that good. However, never lose site that in all difficult vintages, good wines are made. Especially, with the right bottle age. They are generally from good producers who have experience, good facilities and the financial fortitude to thin crop. On the nose; floral cassis, ripe, ruby blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, sugar plum, blue fruits, dark cherries, strawberries in jam style, eucalyptus, soft spices, baking spices, dark soils, fruit tea, loamy dry soil, black moist earth, light herbaceous, used, soft leather, dry crushed rocks powder, black cherry cola, fresh red florals and violets for days. The body is full and tannins 65-70% resolved. The mouthfeel is round and glides beautifully & elegantly over the palate. Harmony in the; structure, tension, length and balance. The fruits are ripe, ruby; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, sugar plum, blue fruits, dark cherries, raspberries, strawberries in jam style, eucalyptus, soft spices, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, dark soils, fruit tea, loamy dry soil, black moist earth, light herbaceous, used, soft leather, dry crushed rocks powder, black cherry cola, fresh red florals and violets for days. The acidity is round and like a waterfall. The finish is beautifully ripe & elegant and lasts well over a minute. Beautiful wine. Photos of; Martha’s Vineyard, Heitz Winery, tastings room bar on Hwy 29 and sitting area outside their tasting room.

Many panned the 98 Napa vintage. Tasted young, it wasn’t all that good. However, never lose site that in all difficult vintages, good wines are made. Especially, with the right bottle age. They are generally from good producers who have experience, good facilities and the financial fortitude to thin crop. On the nose; floral cassis, ripe, ruby blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, sugar plum, blue fruits, dark cherries, strawberries in jam style, eucalyptus, soft spices, baking spices, dark soils, fruit tea, loamy dry soil, black moist earth, light herbaceous, used, soft leather, dry crushed rocks powder, black cherry cola, fresh red florals and violets for days. The body is full and tannins 65-70% resolved. The mouthfeel is round and glides beautifully & elegantly over the palate. Harmony in the; structure, tension, length and balance. The fruits are ripe, ruby; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, sugar plum, blue fruits, dark cherries, raspberries, strawberries in jam style, eucalyptus, soft spices, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, dark soils, fruit tea, loamy dry soil, black moist earth, light herbaceous, used, soft leather, dry crushed rocks powder, black cherry cola, fresh red florals and violets for days. The acidity is round and like a waterfall. The finish is beautifully ripe & elegant and lasts well over a minute. Beautiful wine. Photos of; Martha’s Vineyard, Heitz Winery, tastings room bar on Hwy 29 and sitting area outside their tasting room.

Feb 24th, 2018
Nick Apone

Lots of Eucalyptus.

Lots of Eucalyptus.

Jan 22nd, 2018
Patrick Derdeyn

In a vintage that got lost between the heralded 97 and 99 this showed fairly well. Fruit drying out but that ever present eucalyptus note still there.

In a vintage that got lost between the heralded 97 and 99 this showed fairly well. Fruit drying out but that ever present eucalyptus note still there.

Nov 5th, 2017
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Here is an example of a 98 you have taste so you don't jump to the conclusion that there were no good 98's made in Napa. Is this their best Martha's, no, but for the price it's selling at today...it's a pretty good value for this wine. Ready to go. Not sure how much better it's going to get but it still has a fair amount of life left...8-10 more years. Blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, Christmas cake, spice-box, eucalyptus, dry red floral, elegant soft minerals with crush rocks, tobacco leaf, nice acidity and finish. Delicious.

Here is an example of a 98 you have taste so you don't jump to the conclusion that there were no good 98's made in Napa. Is this their best Martha's, no, but for the price it's selling at today...it's a pretty good value for this wine. Ready to go. Not sure how much better it's going to get but it still has a fair amount of life left...8-10 more years. Blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, Christmas cake, spice-box, eucalyptus, dry red floral, elegant soft minerals with crush rocks, tobacco leaf, nice acidity and finish. Delicious.

1 person found it helpfulJan 12th, 2017
jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

10

Amazing

Amazing

Feb 23rd, 2016
Alicia Cypress

Eucalyptus mint herbal deliciousness. Gorgeous nose. Beautiful palate. Finish is still youthful. Would love to try this in a few more years. (Chosen by master somm Andrea Robinson)

Eucalyptus mint herbal deliciousness. Gorgeous nose. Beautiful palate. Finish is still youthful. Would love to try this in a few more years. (Chosen by master somm Andrea Robinson)

Feb 19th, 2016
Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.3

Great Winemaker's make great wine even in tough vintages. 1998 singing with mint chocolate and leather.

Great Winemaker's make great wine even in tough vintages. 1998 singing with mint chocolate and leather.

Feb 19th, 2016
Whitney Bouck

Absolutely ripe for drinking and perfect with beef. This is a stellar example of Martha's Vineyard Heitz!

Absolutely ripe for drinking and perfect with beef. This is a stellar example of Martha's Vineyard Heitz!

Jul 12th, 2015
Claire Weinkauf

Best Napa wine In a while. Gorgeous fruit without being overwhelming, great balance, long pleasant finish

Best Napa wine In a while. Gorgeous fruit without being overwhelming, great balance, long pleasant finish

Mar 5th, 2015
Doc Jay

Delicious day one and day two

Delicious day one and day two

Dec 26th, 2014