Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1991)

About this wine

The 1991 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep ruby color with garnet hues. On the nose, it presents aromas of red and black cherries, mint, tobacco, and a touch of chocolate. The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, featuring flavors of currant, black cherry, and a signature minty character. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, leading to a long, smooth finish. This wine is a testament to the unique terroir of Martha's Vineyard, consistently producing wines with distinctive mint and eucalyptus notes.

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 hardy vines, making it a favorite among winemakers worldwide. In Napa Valley, Heitz Cellar's exclusive partnership with Martha's Vineyard, established in 1965, has produced some of the region's most iconic wines. The vineyard's unique terroir, characterized by morning sun exposure and cool nights, allows the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to develop concentrated flavors with natural acidity. Notably, the presence of eucalyptus trees around the vineyard imparts a distinctive minty aroma to the wine, setting it apart from other Napa Valley Cabernets.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Heitz Cellar's Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was the first single-vineyard Cabernet in Napa Valley, debuting in 1966.
• 🌿 The 1991 vintage is renowned for its distinctive mint-chocolate aroma, attributed to the eucalyptus trees surrounding Martha's Vineyard.
• 🍷 The 1991 Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon received a 93-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its rich, minty currant and black cherry flavors.
• 🛢️ Heitz Cellar ages this wine for a year in American oak tanks, followed by two and a half years in French Limousin oak barrels, enhancing its complexity.
• ⏳ The 1991 vintage is celebrated for its longevity, with many bottles still offering exceptional drinking experiences decades later.

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.