Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Martha’s Vineyard 2015

In the spring of 1965, grapegrower Tom May sold the first ever Cabernet Sauvignon plucked off Martha’s Vineyard in Oakville to Joe Heitz. The rest is a slice of Napa Valley history.

From that point on the Oakville vineyard and Heitz winery would both skyrocket to stardom, together becoming amongst the most famous names in American wine. Despite it not being estate fruit, Heitz’s work with the vineyard became so polarizing, it even became the first ever vineyard designate Cabernet Sauvignon in 1966.

Heitz was already a highly regarded winemaker from his decade long run at Beaulieu, before establishing his own winery in 1961. While at Beaulieu, he had gotten wind of this new site and quickly befriended the former school teacher who was just getting into grape growing. He taught May the tricks of the trade in exchange for fruit from May’s Martha Vineyard.

Martha’s Vineyard grapes are unique, importing a distinct chocolate flavor, incredible balance, and immense ageability. Heitz furthered that by deciding to bring in the Cabernet at its absolute ripest – leading to full, jammy Cabernet that yet age gracefully forever.

The partnership lasted until Joe died in 2000. However, the Heitz/May connection still lives on as Joe’s son, David took over all the winemaking duties and has helped catapult the vineyard and project back into the truly world class category.

“No other Cabernet has the aromatic profile of Martha’s, its signature eucalyptus note being perennially present and well documented. It is quite floral for a Cabernet, with aromas of dried cherry blossom, fresh sage, dry earth and cocoa powder. Aged three years in French oak and an additional two in bottle before release, there is clear evidence of new oak, but in a deliciously creamy, enhancing way rarely found in modern Cabernet. The palate is juicy, clean, dark and deep all at once. Explosive and long on the finish, showing multidimensional layers of black fruits, fresh herbs and charred earth with stunning delineation. There isn’t a more definitive Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, at any price.” -Decanter Magazine