Winemaker Notes

The 2018 vintage was one of exceptional quality for Heitz Cellar. The cooler to moderate temperatures during the growing season allowed us to balance sugar and phenolic maturity in the fruit while maintaining natural acidity to help preserve the fresh characteristics of the vintage. The elegance and balanced structure of the 2018 vintage will make this an incredible wine to drink upon release and will continue to reward with cellar aging.

James Suckling, 94 PTS

A pure, balanced and fresh Napa cabernet that is not just showing heady concentration and dark fruit. Here you get some violets, nimble flowers, redcurrants, graphite and fine spices. Some oranges, too. Fragrant and nuanced. Medium to full body with tight yet refined tannins. Rather linear, tense and elegant, but lacking neither power nor definition. Better to give it a few years to deliver more complexity.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 91 PTS

Heitz’s regular 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon features a slightly minty-eucalyptus edge, cherries and a hint of leather. Medium-bodied and concentrated, this is silky and fine, finishing a bit tart. Personally, I’d prefer to see more mid-palate richness, but that’s not the style being pursued here. Best After 2024.

Heitz’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is made for your summer grilling dreams. Your favorite steak? Check. Lamb sliders with pesto mayo? Check. Leg of lamb done low and slow for Sunday dinner? Check. And if you’re feeling lazy, just pour a generous glass, skip the grilling, and enjoy it with some aged cheddar chunks. Wine Enthusiast says it “vastly overdelivers on its price point” and we couldn’t agree more. Don’t miss out, winelovers.