Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley
In the mid-1960s, an agreement was made between Joe Heitz and Tom May to source Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from May’s small Oakville vineyard for Heitz wines. Ever since 1966, Heitz Cellar has been crafting the now illustrious Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, one of our three vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed sustainably and certified organic by CCOF and Certified Fish Friendly Farming.
In the mid 1960’s, an agreement was made between Joe Heitz and Tom May to source the cabernet sauvignon fruit from May’s small Oakville vineyard for Heitz wines. Ever since 1966, Heitz Cellar has been crafting the now illustrious Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, one of our three vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed sustainably and certified organic by CCOF and Certified Fish Friendly Farming.
Hidden from view and nestled in the folds of the Oakville bench along the western side of Napa Valley, lies the prized thirty-four acre parcel, aptly named Martha’s Vineyard.
A dirt road alongside rows of grapevines on both sides at Martha's Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley
In the Vineyard
Tucked against the Mayacamas mountains in the celebrated Oakville AVA, with fertile, well-drained soil and afternoon shade, this superior site is home to the unique proprietary cabernet clone which has brought this vineyard legendary status.
“Standing in Martha’s Vineyard, you quickly realize why this site consistently produces a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard receives gentle morning and early afternoon sunlight and is sheltered from the heat of the late afternoon sun by the mountains. This allows for longer hang time and Martha’s Vineyard is, historically, one of the last vineyards we pick. This ability to leave the fruit on the vine longer than other sites allows for concentration of flavor and softening of tannin to produce a wine so pure in its expression of place. The consistency in showcasing Martha’s Vineyard’s unique mint, bay leaf, dark berry and chocolate notes year after year is a reminder of why this vineyard has commanded a faithful following since the 1966 vintage.” – Brittany Sherwood, Winemaker
With patience and anticipation, we wait five years while Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ages in French Limousin oak barrels.
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In the Cellar
The exclusive cabernet “Martha’s Clone” is known for producing small berries with an intensely purple hue, deeply concentrated flavor and a distinctive minty aroma. During aging, only the best barrels from the vineyard are selected and bottled as our Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Spending a year in neutral oak tanks after fermentation, the wine is allowed to settle and refine itself. Next, it is barreled down to hand-selected, 100% new French Limousin oak wide-grain barrels, allowing a slow and gentle integration of the toast and vanilla characteristics from the barrel to marry with the wine. Three years later, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet is ready to bottle whereupon it continues to mature gracefully for another full year before being released from the cellar. A wine full of balance and unique, almost mysterious qualities, Martha’s Vineyard is our flagship wine and a true Napa Valley icon.
