2008 Heitz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.
Over the last few years Heitz has really regained lost ground in the quality stakes and while the 2007 wines were very good, the 2008’s look even better, especially the regular Napa Cabernet bottling, which has a higher than normal level of Martha’s fruit, and it shows in the character and density it shows. The 2008 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is darkly hued with purple and garnet giving a hint of the richness delivered on the full bodied palate that presents blackberry, currant, plum and creme de cassis with minty licorice, sweet herbs, cedar and cigar tobacco leaf. This lush Cab has texture and length with ripe tannins and well integrated oak, making for a well crafted wine that shows it’s pure California nature and style. Honestly, this wine is a bargain, and stands up well against it’s more famous siblings, including the fabled Martha’s Vineyard, and against it’s Valley rivals, at half the price of the Silver Oak Napa, this is a steal.
($45 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($39.95)