Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's esteemed Bella Oaks Vineyard, showcasing the excellence of the 1985 vintage.
About this wine
The 1985 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a captivating bouquet of dried black cherries, licorice, and mint. On the palate, it presents rich flavors of caramelized black plum and blueberry, complemented by a peppery acidity and soft, yielding tannins. This wine reflects the excellent Napa Valley vintage of 1985, known for its vibrant fruit and balanced structure. Aged gracefully, it continues to develop complexity, with hints of spice and earth emerging over time. This Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a testament to Heitz Cellar's commitment to quality and the unique terroir of Bella Oaks Vineyard.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it a favorite among vintners worldwide. In Napa Valley, this varietal found an ideal environment, leading to its prominence in the region's wine production. Heitz Cellar, established in 1961, recognized the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon early on and began producing single-vineyard wines that showcased the grape's unique characteristics. The 1985 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to this dedication, reflecting the rich history and meticulous cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley.
Quick facts
- 🍒 The 1985 Heitz Cellar Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its rich, concentrated flavors of black cherries, licorice, and mint, reflecting the excellent Napa Valley vintage of that year.
- 🏞️ Heitz Cellar, established in 1961 by Joe and Alice Heitz, was a pioneer in Napa Valley, introducing single-vineyard designations like the Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
- 🍇 The Bella Oaks Vineyard, located in the Rutherford AVA of Napa Valley, is known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that contribute to wines with complex flavors and excellent aging potential.
- 🏆 The 1985 vintage of this wine has received high praise from critics, including a 94-point rating from Decanter, highlighting its vibrant fruit, spice, and earthy notes.
- 🌍 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grapes, known for its full-bodied wines with high tannins and noticeable acidity, contributing to their aging potential.
Palate profile
Producer
Heitz Cellar, established in 1961 by Joe and Alice Heitz, is a pioneering Napa Valley winery renowned for producing the region's first vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon, the iconic Martha's Vineyard. In 2018, the Lawrence family acquired the estate, continuing its legacy of crafting classic wines from organically farmed vineyards. The winery's historic stone cellar, dating back to 1898, reflects its deep roots in Napa's winemaking heritage.