Heitz of achievement: Martha’s Vineyard
Heitz, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 95
£ 125-£ 156 (ib) Christopher Keiller, Justerini & Brooks The most recent release of Martha’s Vineyard, this opens up to reveal fragrant black fruit, mint chocolate and rich soil tones, structured around supple, layered tannins and bright acidity on the palate. While this is youthfully extrovert, patience will be rewarded by more profundity. Drink 2020-2060 Alc 14.5%
Heitz, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
96 £ 130 Bordeaux Vintners One of the modern-day icons from Martha’s Vineyard, and only the second vintage to be produced after the 1993 replanting. A rich, expressive nose of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, cassis, eucalypt and mocha is the prelude to a plush, broad wine with amazing volume and intensity. Ripe but impeccably balanced. Drink 2016-2040 Alc 14.5%
Heitz, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1991
94 N/A UK www. heitzcellar.com A strong mint signature, mingling with notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, loamy soil and a subtle frame of cedary new oak. On the palate, it’s youthful, with fresh acidity and ripe, layered tannins. A compelling wine ageing gracefully. Drink 2016-2040 Alc 13.5%
Heitz, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1981
95 £ 192 Hedonism A rather underrated vintage, bursting from the glass with expressive black cherry, mint, dark chocolate, anise and loamy soil. On the palate the wine is youthful, intense and authoratative, with a spine of bright acidity. Drinking well now, but will cruise along for decades.
Drink 2016-2040 Alc 13.5%
Heitz, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1975
99 N/A UK www. heitzcellar.com While the 1974 tends to win all the attention, the 1975 is also one of the most thrilling Napa Cabs produced in the 20th century. Complex red and black fruit, cedarwood, dried rose and cocoa aromas are followed by a powerful, beautifully balanced palate with a firm core of tannin, fruit and fresh acidity. Decanting for a few hours will help this still-youthful Cabernet to open up. Drink 2016-2050 Alc 13.5%