Heitz Cellars 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet
This entry was posted on 2/12/2006 10:17 PM and is filed under California Cabernets.
The Heitz Winery was founded in the 1960's by Joe Heitz. As far as I can remember, they never really advertised in any of the wine magazines. They don't send out the travelling road show to host a lot of wine maker dinners and so forth. They don't seem too gung-ho about catering to the latest wine trends. I don't think they have altered their regular wine label in at least 25 or 30 years. They don't kiss up to the media outlets that write about wine. Therefore, it's no secret that this wine does not get much press. Having said all that, I always like Heitz wines. Their regular Napa Cabernet is usually a big tannic beast that rewards those who can cellar the wine, and punishes those with soft palletes who drink it too early. Their single vineyard bottlings (Bella Oaks, Trailside Vineyard, and Martha's Vineyards) are all outstanding. The wines are rarely seen discounted very much. If your product still sells near full retail price 40 years after the company was started, and without media hype and advertising, it tells you something. Wine loving people seek out this wine, even though it is dissed by the press. I give this wine 3.5 stars. A very good wine. It will improve in the bottle over the next 3-5 years. The Bella Oaks, Trailside, and Martha's bottlings are not out yet. They routinely get at least 4 stars in good vintages in my opinion, and have no doubt that 2001 will be similar. If you have tried this wine, click on to tell me what you think of Heitz.
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