Heitz Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Heitz Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is a benchmark of old-school Napa Cabernet — the flagship 2017 bottling (14% ABV per Wine Enthusiast, 750mL) from the house that released its first Napa Valley Cabernet in 1961. Sourced predominantly from St. Helena fruit across Heitz's estate vineyards, each lot fermented separately and aged in French Limousin oak before final blending — then given another year in bottle before release. Wine Enthusiast 92, Wine Spectator 91, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 90. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Vintage / ABV: 2017 — 14% ABV (per Wine Enthusiast; bottle label unconfirmed)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Napa Valley AVA, California — predominantly St. Helena fruit, estate vineyards
- Winemaking: vineyard lots fermented and aged separately in French (Limousin) oak, blended, then a further year in bottle
- Scores: Wine Enthusiast 92 · Wine Spectator 91 · Wine Advocate 90
Napa's Originalist, Since 1961
Joe Heitz released his first Napa Valley Cabernet in 1961 — before Napa was Napa. The house style has never chased fashion: estate fruit, French oak, old-school structure. The 2017 is classic in that lineage: "pretty classic old-school Cabernet… medium to full-bodied, linear, silky and fine, avoiding any sense of jammy excess" (Wine Advocate). Explore more Napa Valley Cabernet or browse the Heitz Cellar wines at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Heitz official: "a generous burst of blackberry flavors softly framed with notes of fresh currant; silky tannins… smooth, harmonious finish." Wine Spectator: "mint, tea and sandalwood aromas leading the way for a fine-grained core of damson plum and red currant coulis… a subtle savory edge winds through the finish." Wine Enthusiast: "thick in black fruit, soy and leather… concentrated and well-structured… sinewy and still tight," drinking best 2027–2032.
How to Enjoy
Decant 60–90 minutes — the 2017 is still tight and built for the cellar (WE suggests 2027–2032; WS through 2034). Serve at 60–65°F with ribeye, lamb, or aged cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage is this Heitz Cabernet?
The 2017 vintage — a warm, concentrated Napa year.
How is it different from Heitz Martha's Vineyard?
This is the flagship Napa Valley bottling — a blend across estate vineyards. Martha's Vineyard (and Trailside, Lot C-91) are separate single-vineyard bottlings with their own scores.
Is it ready to drink?
Yes with a decant, but the critics agree it rewards patience: Wine Spectator says drink through 2034.
A Napa original at its peak arc — order Heitz Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.