Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep, full-bodied experience with a complex bouquet of black cherries, saddle leather, and subtle eucalyptus notes. On the palate, it presents a powerful core of ripe fruit, balanced by moderate tannins and a long, tangy finish. This vintage is notable for its distinctive minty character, a hallmark of Martha's Vineyard, attributed to the surrounding eucalyptus trees. Aged for three and a half years in oak, this wine showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Heitz Cellar. Recognized for its longevity, this Cabernet continues to evolve gracefully, offering a glimpse into Napa Valley's rich winemaking heritage.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety 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, characterized by morning sun exposure and cool nights, contributes to the grape's distinctive minty and eucalyptus notes, setting it apart from other Cabernet Sauvignons.

Quick facts

• 🏅 The 1985 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was the first vintage since the legendary 1974 to feature a special commemorative label, highlighting its exceptional quality.
• 🌿 This vintage is renowned for its distinctive mint and eucalyptus aromas, a signature characteristic attributed to the vineyard's proximity to eucalyptus trees.
• 💰 Upon release, the 1985 vintage was priced at $50 per bottle, a significant increase from previous vintages, reflecting its outstanding quality and demand.
• 🍷 The 1985 Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has demonstrated remarkable aging potential, with critics noting its continued development and complexity even decades after its release.
• 🏞️ Heitz Cellar's Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was among the first single-vineyard designated wines in Napa Valley, setting a precedent for showcasing unique vineyard characteristics.

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.