At a glance

Producer

Heitz Cellar

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$250 - $350 USD per 750ml bottle (retail secondary market, as of mid-2024)

Tasting profile

Aromatic with cassis, blackberry, ripe plum, eucalyptus and mint (signature Martha’s character), subtle cedar, leather, dried herbs, violets, graphite, and a touch of cocoa. Medium-full body, vibrant acidity, fine tannins.

Evolution: Secondary notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, leather, and savory herbs will intensify. Fruit will become more dried, while earth, mint, and spice nuances will become more prominent. Tannin structure will continue to soften.

At peak: At peak, expect harmonious integration of fruit, minty/eucalyptus lift, soft leather, dried rose, cigar box, cedar and umami-driven complexity with lush, resolved tannins and enduring freshness.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, providing freshness and drive; acidity is expected to sustain balance and fruit expression as the wine ages.

Tannins

Fine-grained, integrated but still present, offering structure for further aging. Beginning to soften while retaining grip characteristic of Martha’s Vineyard.

Alcohol

13.5%, seamlessly integrated and in classic Heitz style, supporting longevity without heat.

Aging potential

20-30 years from vintage under ideal conditions; top bottles may hold beyond four decades if perfectly cellared.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2037

Optimal window

2024 to 2042

Current status

Approachable but structured; entering prime drinking window, can age further.

Current condition

Beautifully balanced with developing tertiary notes; primary fruits still vibrant with evolving complexity. No signs of fatigue.

2016 is a classic vintage with concentration, freshness, and balance. The peak period (2028–2037) is when tertiary complexities (leather, tobacco, dried herbs) hit their stride but before fruit core declines. During this window, all structural elements—tannins, acidity, and alcohol—will be seamlessly integrated, showing full Martha’s Vineyard elegance. After peak, fruit intensity may recede, tertiary notes will dominate, and structure can show signs of decline.

Food pairing

Excellent with dry-aged ribeye, roast lamb with rosemary, prime rib, beef Wellington, venison, grilled portobello mushrooms, truffle risotto, or aged cheddar. As the wine becomes more mature, pairings with game birds, mushroom ragout, and hard cheeses become ideal, as tertiary flavors complement umami and earthy dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has fine-grained tannins that are beginning to soften, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Organic farming, minimal intervention, preservation of biodiversity, use of cover crops, water conservation, low-intervention winemaking.

Heitz Cellar is a leader in sustainable viticulture in Napa Valley, prioritizing organic and regenerative farming. Napa Green certification affirms low environmental impact, though glass and shipping still comprise most emissions.