Heitz Wine Cellars is located in the eastern hills of Napa Valley’s St. Helena. The original winery was founded by Joe and Alice Heitz in 1961. They purchased their first vineyard, 8 acres, just south of St. Helena that was mostly planted with Grignolino. In 1964 , they acquired their 160-acre ranch and winery in Spring Valley where Joe focused on Cabernet Sauvignon. The following year they made a serendipitous connection with Tom and Martha May who owned the famous Martha’s Vineyard.

After a handshake deal firm enough to last decades and a single harvest of the May’s remarkable Cabernet grapes, Joe and Alice Heitz gained exclusive lease on Martha’s Vineyard. In 1966, Joe crafted the first Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - a wine so remarkable that the two families decided to add a vineyard designation to the Heitz Cellars' label, initiating that concept in the Napa Valley.

Heitz has expanded their agricultural operations to encompass 1,100 acres of vineyards located throughout Napa Valley's finest winemaking appellations and has planted grapes on 425 of those acres. Their portfolio of wines included not only their signature Cabernets, but also Chardonnay, Zinfandel and their inherited specialty, Grignolino.

Amidst the myriad of wines being swirled in the Napa Valley today, the legacy of Joe and Alice Heitz continues to stand out. Second generation Kathleen Heitz Myers and David Heitz are now at the helm as president and winemaker. Both have been instrumental in the development of Heitz Cellars' reputation for excellence since the 1970s.

Heitz Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has impressed wine enthusiasts since they produced the first bottle in 1961. It is crafted entirely from estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged three years in oak barrels.

The 2018 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the sun-soaked vineyards of California's North Coast, specifically the acclaimed appellation of Napa. This product of the USA boasts a rich palette of tastes and aromas that capture the essence of its varietal and terroir. This red wine has been expertly crafted by the seasoned vintners at Heitz, who have poured their passion and expertise into every bottle.

On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon introduces itself with a fragrant bouquet of ripe blue fruits, sappy herbs, and a hint of subtle oak. Beneath this, a layer of delicate minerality adds complexity and depth. As you take your first sip, you'll be greeted with a symphony of flavors. The palate offers a harmonious blend of deep black-currant and blackberry flavors, accented by hints of mint and dark chocolate.

This medium-bodied wine achieves a perfect balance of elegance and power. It is beautifully balanced, with a warm, rounded texture that is bolstered by fine-grained tannins, resulting in a concentrated and mouth-filling experience. Despite its robust flavor profile, this wine retains a sense of freshness and purity, characterized by notes of violets, nimble flowers, redcurrants, graphite, fine spices, and a surprising hint of oranges.

Critics have been unanimous in their praise for this wine, with scores in the low to mid 90s. Jeb Dunnuck appreciates its old school charm, James Suckling admires its balance and complexity, while Vinous commends its vivid and class-filled profile.

This wine is delightful to drink now, but it also has the potential to evolve beautifully with time. It is predicted to reach its peak between 2025 and 2038, making it a worthy addition to any wine enthusiast's cellar. So, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine lover, the 2018 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to impress with its nuanced flavors, elegant structure, and enduring appeal.