Heitz produced terrific wines in the drought vintage of 1976, and Martha's Vineyard is, as ever, the queen of the cellar. Aromas of dark cherries, cocoa powder, scorched earth, mint and subtle tobacco leaf are followed by a youthful, intense and beautifully focused palate impression.
DC96June 2016
In the drought years of 1976 and 1977, the Heitz wines that I have tasted are some of the most brilliant examples to be found, and this is certainly true of the ’76 Martha’s Vineyard. This was the first time that I can recall tasting the 1976 and it is a beautiful bottle of wine that is now at its apogee. The deep and utterly brilliant nose soars from the glass in a complex and pure blend of cherries, blood orange, woodsmoke, mint, a touch of coffee, nutskins, cigar smoke and a wonderfully complex base of soil. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and beautifully transparent, with superb delineation and balance, fine mid-palate depth, melting tannins and stunning length and grip on the dancing finish. A great bottle that shows no signs of the more “roasted” character evident in most Cabernets from this torrid vintage.
JG95May 2011