Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1984)
SommeliAI Insights
A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with rich black cherry and mint flavors, offering remarkable depth and balance.
About this wine
The 1984 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep ruby color, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers complex aromas of ripe currant, mint, chocolate, and black cherry, reflecting its pristine drinking condition. The palate is full-bodied and firm, showcasing a layered structure with flavors of black cherries, eucalyptus, and subtle oak. This wine is known for its excellent balance, depth, and richness, with ripe tannins and fruit dominating the aftertaste. Notably, Heitz Cellar was among the first in Napa Valley to produce single-vineyard designated wines, with Martha's Vineyard being one of the most iconic examples.
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, Heitz Cellar's collaboration with Tom and Martha May's Martha's Vineyard began in 1965, leading to the production of the first single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon in the U.S. with the 1966 vintage. The vineyard's unique terroir, combined with the presence of eucalyptus trees, imparts distinctive minty and chocolate notes to the wine, setting it apart from other Cabernets. The 1984 vintage continued this tradition, showcasing the exceptional qualities of both the grape and the vineyard.
Quick facts
- 🍃 The 1984 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its distinctive minty aroma, a hallmark of the vineyard's unique terroir.
- 🏆 This vintage received high praise from critics, including a 95-point rating from John Gilman, who noted its deep, pure nose with black cherries, eucalyptus, and cigar wrapper.
- 📍 Heitz Cellar was among the pioneers of single-vineyard designations in Napa Valley, with Martha's Vineyard being one of the first to showcase this approach.
- ☀️ The 1984 vintage was characterized by a warm, dry growing season, leading to early harvests and wines with concentrated flavors and excellent aging potential.
- ⛰️ Martha's Vineyard is located in the Oakville AVA, nestled against the Mayacamas Mountains, providing fertile, well-drained soil and afternoon shade that contribute to the wine's complexity.
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.
