Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.318 ratings
9.32 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Another excellent purchase from the Benchmark Bin Sale. I love these 15-20 year Heitz Napa Cabernets…97 the rule, not the exception. It had perfect storage and is at its peak and will hold for another 1-2 years and diminish over the following 3-5 years.

The nose is floral dark cherry kirsch. Both plums, blackberries, black raspberries, pomegranate, strawberry liqueur notes, steeped tea, red & dark cola/licorice, dark rich earth, sharp, dry herbs, black pepper, dry twig with dark & red fresh & slightly withering florals.

The palate is ripe fruits well balanced with earth. Perfect evolution & integration. Soft, elegant w/ nothing bitty. Dark currents with ripe, leaner, juicy, slightly liqueured; blackberries, black raspberries, late spring dark cherries, both plums, orange rune, raspberries & poached strawberries. Heavy Asian & Indian, dark spices, black licorice/cola, pure anise, steeped, black tea, touch of black olive, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, dry tobacco, dry Provence herbs, barrel shavings, dry pipe tobacco/ash, some lead pencil, leathery, moist, grey, volcanic clay, crumbled limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry river stone, dry brush, grilled meats-Châteauneuf-du-Pape characteristics w/ ragging, withering florals that are dark, red, purple, rainfall acidity with excellent; structure, tension, balance, polished finish that does not end. Wire to wire consistency. Lucky to enjoy a well stored bottle of 97 with this age.

Another excellent purchase from the Benchmark Bin Sale. I love these 15-20 year Heitz Napa Cabernets…97 the rule, not the exception. It had perfect storage and is at its peak and will hold for another 1-2 years and diminish over the following 3-5 years.

The nose is floral dark cherry kirsch. Both plums, blackberries, black raspberries, pomegranate, strawberry liqueur notes, steeped tea, red & dark cola/licorice, dark rich earth, sharp, dry herbs, black pepper, dry twig with dark & red fresh & slightly withering florals.

The palate is ripe fruits well balanced with earth. Perfect evolution & integration. Soft, elegant w/ nothing bitty. Dark currents with ripe, leaner, juicy, slightly liqueured; blackberries, black raspberries, late spring dark cherries, both plums, orange rune, raspberries & poached strawberries. Heavy Asian & Indian, dark spices, black licorice/cola, pure anise, steeped, black tea, touch of black olive, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, dry tobacco, dry Provence herbs, barrel shavings, dry pipe tobacco/ash, some lead pencil, leathery, moist, grey, volcanic clay, crumbled limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry river stone, dry brush, grilled meats-Châteauneuf-du-Pape characteristics w/ ragging, withering florals that are dark, red, purple, rainfall acidity with excellent; structure, tension, balance, polished finish that does not end. Wire to wire consistency. Lucky to enjoy a well stored bottle of 97 with this age.

Oct 22nd, 2023
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.3

I wish all Napa Cabs tasted this good! This wine is in a great spot right now.

I wish all Napa Cabs tasted this good! This wine is in a great spot right now.

Jul 30th, 2015
Tirso del Junco Jr

With Patti at Morgan’s at the La Quinta Resort

With Patti at Morgan’s at the La Quinta Resort

Dec 10th, 2022
Carter White

I think it’s slightly corked. There’s some red fruit and black pepper underneath but it’s faint and diluted. Structure is decent but the tannins are still a bit rough.

I think it’s slightly corked. There’s some red fruit and black pepper underneath but it’s faint and diluted. Structure is decent but the tannins are still a bit rough.

Jan 16th, 2022
Jeff Natland

A gem. Everything you want a great Napa Cabernet to be. Time to drink them is now.

A gem. Everything you want a great Napa Cabernet to be. Time to drink them is now.

Dec 14th, 2016
Jack Murphy

It's got a lot of wood. Just not a napa cab fan.

It's got a lot of wood. Just not a napa cab fan.

Jul 7th, 2014
Gregg Cotler

Gregg had this 5 months ago

Gregg had this 5 months ago

Jul 14th, 2024
Timothy

Timothy had this a year ago

Timothy had this a year ago

Dec 24th, 2023
Howard Greenfield

Howard had this 3 years ago

Howard had this 3 years ago

Oct 16th, 2021
Howard Greenfield

Howard had this 6 years ago

Howard had this 6 years ago

Mar 8th, 2019