1997 Heitz Cellar "Martha's Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet tannin, and copious black currant fruit intermixed with soil undertones and licorice. The wine is medium to full-bodied, pure, ripe, and nicely-textured with a long finish. Heitz Wine Cellars has followed their impressive 1996 with this equally splendid special commemorative cuvee honoring the late Joe Heitz. The famed minty/eucalyptus character found in older vintages of Martha's Vineyard is submerged by the depth of fruit possessed by the 1997. It will improve and age for 15+ years. (RP)