At over 30 years of age, this wine should be in a fully mature drinking window — expect dried blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, mint, leather, and forest floor with softened but still-present tannins. The 1991 Napa vintage was excellent with long aging potential. Bottle condition is critical at this age.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)
- Region
- USA / California / Napa Valley / Oakville
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, traditional, age-worthy, mature
The producer
Martha's Vineyard, owned by Tom and Martha May, has been bottled by Heitz as a single-vineyard Cabernet since 1966 — the first vineyard-designated Cabernet in California history. The wine is famous for its distinctive eucalyptus-mint character, often attributed to nearby eucalyptus trees. The numbered-bottle format is part of Heitz's traditional release.
What critics say
Martha's Vineyard Cabernets are considered among the most historically important wines in California and have received consistent high praise across decades; the 1974 vintage in particular is a legendary California wine.
Pairing
Slow-roasted leg of lamb, classic ribeye, aged hard cheeses