The cabernets produced from Heitz's "Martha's Vineyard" were some of the most profund California cabernets from the 1970's through the 1980's.  The wine had an intoxicating mint like aroma in the bouquet that really differentiated this wine from it's peers.  Unfortunately, after the 1992 vintage, the vineyard was wiped out from an infestation with phylloxera (a louse that attacks the roots of grape vines).  They had to replant the vineyard thereafter, using clones of the original vines, grafted onto rootstock that was resistant to phylloxera.  Heitz's last vintage with the original vines was 1992.  There were no Martha's vineyard cabs from the 1993, 94, and 95 vintages.  The new vines were ready to produce wine with the 1996 vintage, and have been going strong ever since.  Nevertheless, many people (myself included) are of the opinion that the new vines are not yet producing wines as great as the older vines.  Hopefully they will as the vines mature.  For now, if one wants to experience a Martha's Vineyard caberenet in it's full glory, you should look for vintages from 1992 and earlier.

The Heitz Cellars Napa Valley "Martha's Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon from 1992 was drinking beautifully in December 2006.  The wine was far better than the 89 point score given to it in Wine Spectator several years ago.  The wine still packs a bold multi-fruit bouquet intertwined with mocha and the intoxicating mint-like aroma referred to earlier.  Complex and heavy on the palate, with well faded tannin and a lingering soft finish.  My only regret is that I have no more bottles of this wine.

4.25 stars

 

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