- WINEMAKER NOTES
1983 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard – Historic Napa Valley Cabernet
The 1983 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare release from one of Napa Valley’s most iconic single-vineyard wines. Produced by Heitz Cellar, a pioneer of classic California Cabernet, this vintage reflects the unique terroir of the Martha’s Vineyard site in Oakville. Known for its signature mint and eucalyptus aromatics, the 1983 bottling captures a piece of Napa history during a transitional era for American wine.
Tasting Notes
With nearly four decades of bottle age, this wine offers tertiary complexity: dried cherry, cedar, and tobacco leaf mingle with signature notes of mint and eucalyptus. The palate shows softened tannins, balanced acidity, and flavors of leather, forest floor, and subtle spice. Elegant and fully mature, the 1983 Martha’s Vineyard provides a window into the heritage of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Martha’s Vineyard, located in Oakville, is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in alluvial soils that contribute both richness and aromatic freshness. The wine was traditionally vinified at Heitz Cellar and aged in American oak barrels, a hallmark of the estate’s style. This approach imparts both structure and a distinctive minty note that has become the vineyard’s signature.
Investment & Collectibility
The 1983 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare bottle for collectors of mature Napa Valley wines. With its provenance and iconic single-vineyard status, it remains an essential reference point for historic California Cabernet. Perfect for your collection or for those seeking a remarkable piece of Napa’s vinous legacy.
Vintage Insights
The 1983 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by cooler conditions and uneven ripening, producing wines of restraint and moderate alcohol. While not as powerful as neighboring vintages, producers like Heitz crafted balanced, age-worthy wines that have evolved gracefully over time.









