From mag. An amazing follow up to the 2007 Haut Bailly. This 2002 is still young. Five hours in decanter and just starting to blossom. This in mag hasn’t hit its peak…might be another 10 years plus.
Second night notes with leftover Prime Rib, au Gratin Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts. I knew that this would be even better in the second night than it was the first. Heitz makes hardy wine that are very age worthy.
Last night it showed more brawn/teeth. It still does but shows much more blue and purple fruits. It is purely, lush, ruby, round in the mouth. Bramble fruits of, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, plum, wafting raspberries. Dry, strong tobacco, leather, cedar, sandalwood to barrel shavings, Rutherford dust, melted, dark chocolate, black licorice, dry top soil, tumble weed, dark spice with some heat, dry herb notes, a touch of black pepper, dry, crushed rocks, dark withering florals, lavender framed in violets, beautiful round acidity, extremely well balanced, structured, tenioned, multi- layered excellent beautiful finish that lasts minutes.
Another 20 years in mag…properly stored of course.
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First Trailside I’ve tried. 2.5hr decant. Wow, this was good juice. Comfort blanket on the nose. Chocolate, cassis, black olive and berry. Tons of vegetable. Rosemary, spearmint & fresh garden peppers. Well rounded on the mid and back. Has another year or two imo. Heitz never disappoints.
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This seemed even younger than the one I had last year. Very concentrated cream of cassis and very well balanced. Very long. This is still improving. Be patient
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Just starting to enter the height of its drinking plateau, this was a really magical bottle. Full of cassis, turned earth, plum sauce, leather and dried herbs on the nose, the first sniff put a huge smile on my face. The palate was elegant and supple, with medium body, medium minus acid and moderate length. Similar tasting notes as the nose, cigar box, creme de cassis, herbs, touch of bell pepper, hint of lavender, with very textured but soft tannin. This is just entering it's peak so if you have a bottle it can definitely age another five plus years, but I don't see it getting significantly better from here.
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Last bottle of the '02 and it was terrific. Still very vibrant fruit shaded with nice herbal notes (including a bit of eucalyptus). This has very lively acidity that keeps it from being heavy, and makes it pair well with food. Was great with a steak but also enjoyable on its own with some hard cheese. CT says drink by 2021, but if your bottles were in the kind of shape that mine were, then they should be good for at least a few more years beyond that. I bought mine directly from Heitz a few years back before the family sold out and the new owners jacked up all the prices and removed most of the library wines from the website. They have more than doubled the price of older vintages available on the website. Just a tragic shame what the new owners did to Heitz; the wines are essentially no longer affordable to me, especially the older vintages. What a bummer...
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I enjoyed the wine but it had a huge bell pepper nose. Most people didn't enjoy it because of the nose while others were okay with it. I wouldn't buy it again. 3 hour decant
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A wonderfully delicate nose of fennel and lead pencil. At first, we were shocked as to how much red fruit was left in the wine. The wine felt like a toddler, not one approaching nearly 17 years! Within an hour though the wine transformed itself into something that was far more dark and brooding. I think the wine has hit its peak so I would be included to drink any remaining bottles over the next 5 years.
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A beautiful wine. The cork broke, even though I had stored i horizontally and used a Screwpull, and so I decanted it through an aerator with a filter. Two hours later the wine was delicious, with an excellent balance of acidity and tannins, and a very long and complex finish, with anise notes and fruit along with the tannin. Served with squab, a real success.
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Cork broke. Used Vinturi to filter, not decanted. Lots of cassis and tart blackberry. Tannic structure still present and well informed by oak. This could be at peak, but the hint of tertiary character makes me think it would be worth trying at age 25. Paired well with filets but worth contemplation on its own.
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Fabulous wine ! Absolutely mature and a point ! Splash decant and enjoyed. The big herbal opera ! Loooooong finish. All in !!! I love it ! Ready for Rockn Roll !!! Drink
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Showing beautifully tonight with elegent fruity and leafy nose and a soft juicy palate. Fully integrated without hard edges, this went well with Peking Duck and was enjoyed by everyone.
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Father in law brought a bottle over recently that was on point and decided to buy more. First bottle the cork disintegrated and was vinegar. On this bottle the cork broke in half but was quite lively. Fruit still looks youthful although mature it will hold for at least 5 years with a good bottle, some ten. Still some tannin to resolve but really nice, decent acidity and just a hint of green pepper.
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Fabulous wine. With about 15 minutes of air, this was red fruits, eucalyptus, mint and cedar. A bit of tannin at the end. Incredible complexity -- so much to taste here, with the finish going on forever. Probably my favorite wine of the year, with very little time left to beat it.
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Mmmm. Classic cab goodness. Explosive aromas of mint, cherries/red fruits, spice, herbs, and cassis erupt from the bottle on PnP. You just know you need to stop and buckle your seatbelt from that first sniff (love when that happens). Equally as good on the palate with a perfect amount of acidity, and a firm tannic bite on the long finish that hints at years of prime drinking ahead. Seriously good right now, but honestly I feel like this will be even better 10+ years from now. Highly recommended. 92+ with upside.
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At Mom D's for the 4th of July. No detailed notes, but another really nice bottle of this wine. Still quite youthful and with years to go. Lively red fruit with nice herbal notes on the nose and some on the palate as well. This was bought from the winery recently and the bottles arrived in pristine condition. I suspect that the provenance of these bottles direct from Heitz Cellar is much better than that of some of the bottles that have been kicking around the aftermarket for 12+ years, which may account for some of the variance in TNs. It's great that Heitz sells these library wines directly at a reasonable price. The drinking window on this should go for several more years (the 2016 end date on CellarTracker is not accurate for bottles sourced direct).
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Dinner with Fitzpatrick at Char. Consistent with my recent previous note. This bottle was perhaps a bit less evolved that the previous one, as I found that the fruit was a bit more primary and the herbal notes were a tad less pronounced. But this was still well balanced and very delicious, with good acidity to make it food friendly. Have to look into buying some more of this. These bottles were purchased direct at the winery last summer and that may explain why they have plenty of good drinking time left despite the fact that the CT drinking window is passed. I don't think that drinking window is at all accurate for bottles that are sourced directly.
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Lab dinner at Avvino. For my palate, this was firing on all cylinders. Lovely eucalyptus and menthol on the nose. On the palate, lots of nice cab fruit (more red), combined with herbal notes and lively acidity. I love the complexity and elegance of this. Compared with the 06 Lewelling Cab that was also drank, I greatly preferred this. Bought this at winery in summer '16. Great stuff.
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Dark berries, forrest floor, smoked meat, and a hint of menthol on the nose. Well integrated tannins with dried berries and plum jam notes on the palate. Good finish. Nicely aged Napa Valley cabernet.
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Dark red, looks still very young. Dense and concentrated in mouth, dark fruits, jam, cedar, mocha, some green peppers. Ripe velvety tannins. Very long finish.
Still vigorous after 15 years, Amazing! Generally smooth and balanced, but can feel it's yet settled and still developing.
WS 88
Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 18/20, Overall 3+4/10 Total 93+/10
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The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like strawberry jam. It tastes like strawberry jam, strawberry, blackberry and black currant (cassis). The body is medium/full. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity.
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- Brick color. It's balanced and has flavours of blackberry, raspberry and strawberry with a medium/full body. Silky texture with a medium finish - A wine loaded with sweet fruit.
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Very good, rich and smooth, after four hours in the decanter. We drank it after a 2002 Ducru Beaucaillou which outclassed it in terms of refinement, but it held its own in terms of lushness and power.
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I tasted this again at the winery on August 13th and have to say, I am glad I have at least one left. Still has plenty of backbone with ample acidity/tannins that will allow the wine to age a bit longer. This still has that very dusty/rich bite to it that I characterize of Heitz wines. Really a stellar one- will probably try to pick up a few more on my next visit.
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Decanted 3 hours. Drank perfectly. Professionally crafted wine that was smooth with subtle tannins. Black currant was very lively, slightly too fruit forward for my personal palate.
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At Farallon. As before, but has rounded out a little more and has great expressive fruit and refinement. Rounded, smooth and full. Drinking at a peak now.
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Excellent overall, with a nice balance of tannin and fruit and a long finish. The cork broke, so I recommend an ah so and/or drinking sooner rather than later.
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From a bottle purchased at the winery on the same day, this 13-year-old Cabernet proved to be more youthful than the bottle previously tasted 10/3/13. Deep ruby in color, it flaunts a bouquet of black currants, allspice, black cherries, cedar and cocoa. Full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with medium acidity, it delivers similar flavors which are wrapped with substantial silky tannins. Layered in the middle and lengthy on the finish, this wine is still packed with fruit and has impressive structure. Well-cellared bottles should last longer than previously predicted. Drink now-2027.
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At Jeanty. Deep dark center, red rim with only modest signs of age. Great rich nose, lies somewhere between Bella Oaks and Martha's - has the depth of the latter with the licorice of the former. Clearly Napa Cab, but has some restraint. Smooth and refined in the mouth, cassis and extracted fruit, good tannin and acid, good length of red fruits. Great Trailside, drinking okay now but will be better in two plus years.
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The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle. It smells like strawberry jam, black currant (cassis) and strawberry. It tastes like strawberry, blueberry and red currant. The body is medium. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes medium.
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BYOB HT14#1; 9/6/2014-9/7/2014: #BYOB - This really was a disappointment as well. Lots of dried, sweet fruit on the nose. Raisins, chocolate, punschpraliner (Arrack Punch candy) and blueberries. Distinct alcohol aromas as well. Full bodied, with a sweet fruit, slightly matured, Medium acidity and good length. Warm finish, with moderate, but present tannins. Had this for a Amarone. Slightly better on day 2.
I expected much more. Quite an alcoholic odour although that started to mellow after about 2 hours revealing a faint stewed fruit bouquet. In terms of taste - quite one dimensional. This is definitely past it's best and the fruit is dying leaving a sour, dry taste on the front of the tongue. It was still enjoyable but nothing special like I was hoping.
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Popped and quick decanted. Black currant and cassis on the nose with lots of mint chocolate notes coming through. More dark fruit on the palate with a bit of charred oak and sweet tobacco. Medium acid and tannins with a smooth mouthfeel and finish. A much bigger wine than I expected given the age and what I recalled tasting at Heitz a few months ago. Very good.
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Another gem by Heitz! Full body, light tannis and tremendous silky finish of cherry, pepper and walnut. This wine is without doubt at its peak but I'm not sure it can't be cellared for another 3-4 years. Outstanding!!!
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Tasted at winery and impressed enough to order several bottles. Opened the first this evening, and found it narrow and a bit tannin forward on initial taste. However, after letting it decant in glass for about 1 hour, it opened up and became very nicely integrated. Nice and full in the mouth with a medium finish. I recommend drinking now through 2016.
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- Garnet color with slow forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of cherry, blackberry and black currant with a medium/full body. Narrow texture with a long finish.
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Sampled at the winery. A slight bit of bricking but generally holding up well. Still some fruit, with well integrated tannins. Savory plum, and red berries with some earthiness on the palate. Smooth finish. Doing well for 11 years.
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Dark crimson with nice earthy, dusty notes followed by big cassis, black currant, black cherry, and licorice. The tannins are quite present, but not overwhelming. The finish is good. This is very good cabernet.
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Napa Valley Wine and Food Excursion 2013; 9/30/2013-10/5/2013 (Napa Valley, California): Now 11 years old, this wine has softened its edges and is drinking beautifully. Deep red/garnet in color, it offers a complex bouquet of cassis, pipe tobacco, nutmeg, black tea and cedar. Medium-to-full-bodied and round on the palate, it delivers flavors which run tandem to the aromas. The wine's alcohol (14.5%) and medium-weight tannins are nicely integrated. Layered in the middle and long on the finish, this wine appears to be in the early phase of its "sweet spot." Enjoy it over the next 8-10 years. Drink now-2023.
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We had this right after a 2005 Bella Oaks, which was almost the same wine. One hour decanted and was very nice in Riedel cab glass. Not much left, would drink now. Stored properly since new
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Mature, definitely ready to drink. Opened for 1 hour and tanins were still present but subtle. May not be the best of Heitz but certainly an enjoyable bittle.
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Great Cabernet nose!- cherry, slightly smoky with mint adding complexity. Good body, flavor- cherry, vanilla, and a little bit of brown spice on the finish. The tannins have integrated nicely, although they still have a little bit of grip on the finish....the acidity is well integrated and the finish lingers nicely. Overall, this is a great Cabernet - it's drinking well now with a bit of air and/or some food, but should continue to develop a little more over the next 2-3 + years.
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- Garnet color with medium forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of strawberry jam and cherry with a medium body. Satin-Like texture - great bottle of wine. Please see previous notes.
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- Garnet color and aromas of blackberry. It's balanced and has flavours of blackberry, raspberry and black currant with a medium/full body. Bright texture with a long finish - Wonderful bottle of wine. Nose of jam and berries.
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I purchased two bottles of Trailside at Heitz in May of this year, one each of the 2001 and 2002 vintages. I assume the reviews are from the vintage year rather than the bottled year as both dates appear on the label. I loved, absolutely LOVED the 2001. The 2002, however, had an overpowering nose of caramel. It was almost like poking your beek into a bag of brown sugar. After 20 minutes or so it seemed to settle down and went well with my steak.
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Paid $170 in a restaurant to put this in perspective. How do I even rate a sub 90 point bottle that I paid so much for? It's tough, actually. Interesting how the atmosphere and company can influence your bias. But, 2002 is one of my favorite years for napa cab, especially for estate selected grapes. Unfortunately, I had too much on this particular night. I can't recall enough detail to give this a rating, or to give any description of the experience. I can, however offer a suggestion. Corkage fees are cheap compared to this mistake I made last night. Do your homework on the restaurant before hand. More than 100% markup is highway robbery. Next trip to Flea Street Cafe in Melo Park, I plan on bringing my own.
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one of the more fruitier Heitz that I have had. Not many tannins present. Is drinking well right now and should last for a few more years but I don't see it improving. As others stated eucalyptus, mint, and cider are present.
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Great bottle of cab. The nose on this wine is one of the best that I have experienced. Dark red ruby color.
Old world wine to say the least. Eucalyptus and mint are definitely evident. a hint of cedar. I think you can enjoy this wine now or wait a few years. Highly recommended.
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Outstanding bottle of Cabernet. I feel that this wine is ready to drink now. Tastes very much like old world wine. Very mature wine to say the least. One of the better Heitz wines.
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Decanted and enjoyed with ribeye steaks. Very dark purple, not showing much of its 8 years of age. Beautiful powerful nose that could be smelled from a ways away. Surprisingly, the eucalyptus/mint character that Martha's is so famous for was more in evidence in this wine than any Martha's I can remember. The nose was beautiful and in addition to the mint there were notes of blackberries, cedar and herbs. Full bodied, viscous and tasting of dark fruits with a touch of minerality. A slight bit of heat on the finish. This wine was sophisticated and very well balanced. Trailside comes across as bigger and more tannic than Martha's but not quites as refined. A beautiful Napa cab, that will particularly appeal to those who lean toward the muscular end of the spectrum. Would not hurt to wait a few years before opening.
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This was a real sleeper. I never expexted this bottle of wine to be as good as it was. Had an earthy tast. Very well balanced adn is ready or you can still wait another few years. Purchased the wine at the Napa tasting room.
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Visiting Napa & All Around; 8/2/2008-8/18/2008 (California - USA): Visiting Napa Valley, Heitz Cellars Tasting Room. Ok, it can not match Martha but almost does: Good structure, firm tannins for a powerful CS. Clearly for laying down, I prefered to buy 1.988 for an early drinking.
De acuerdo, no puede batir a un Martha pero casi lo hace: Buena estructura, firmes taninos para un poderoso cabernet. Claramente para descansar en la bodega, preferí comprar una botella del 98 para un pronto consumo.
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Decide to go old school with some Heitz Trailside. Classic napa with that distinct minerality in heitz wines. Acidity and tannins work well together making it a still young fresh and delicious wine
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Medium ruby in colour with slight rim vs. core. Good legs. Clean nose of pungent blackcurrant, mint leaf and oak. Good acidity. Still quite closed up and tannic on the palate - needs time.
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1/1/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 95 Points
From mag. An amazing follow up to the 2007 Haut Bailly. This 2002 is still young. Five hours in decanter and just starting to blossom. This in mag hasn’t hit its peak…might be another 10 years plus.
Second night notes with leftover Prime Rib, au Gratin Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts. I knew that this would be even better in the second night than it was the first. Heitz makes hardy wine that are very age worthy.
Last night it showed more brawn/teeth. It still does but shows much more blue and purple fruits. It is purely, lush, ruby, round in the mouth. Bramble fruits of, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, plum, wafting raspberries. Dry, strong tobacco, leather, cedar, sandalwood to barrel shavings, Rutherford dust, melted, dark chocolate, black licorice, dry top soil, tumble weed, dark spice with some heat, dry herb notes, a touch of black pepper, dry, crushed rocks, dark withering florals, lavender framed in violets, beautiful round acidity, extremely well balanced, structured, tenioned, multi- layered excellent beautiful finish that lasts minutes.
Another 20 years in mag…properly stored of course.
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9/29/2022 - Hanibal Likes this wine: 92 Points
Would benefit from a decant. Was better the next day. Not heavy with very clean fruit.
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12/18/2021 - RojoVino24 Likes this wine: 94 Points
First Trailside I’ve tried. 2.5hr decant. Wow, this was good juice. Comfort blanket on the nose. Chocolate, cassis, black olive and berry. Tons of vegetable. Rosemary, spearmint & fresh garden peppers. Well rounded on the mid and back. Has another year or two imo. Heitz never disappoints.
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8/14/2021 - Hanibal Likes this wine: 93 Points
This seemed even younger than the one I had last year. Very concentrated cream of cassis and very well balanced. Very long. This is still improving. Be patient
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6/18/2021 - jeremy_ross wrote: 90 Points
Olives and burnt honey on nose. Still has solid acid and grippy tannins. The fruit is intense, a little honeyed and oxidized.
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6/18/2021 - mfreund72 wrote: 91 Points
First I got olives and topsoil on the nose, then Smokey BBQ. Juicy with slight tannins
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2/14/2021 - jpwineguy Likes this wine: 95 Points
Just starting to enter the height of its drinking plateau, this was a really magical bottle. Full of cassis, turned earth, plum sauce, leather and dried herbs on the nose, the first sniff put a huge smile on my face. The palate was elegant and supple, with medium body, medium minus acid and moderate length. Similar tasting notes as the nose, cigar box, creme de cassis, herbs, touch of bell pepper, hint of lavender, with very textured but soft tannin.
This is just entering it's peak so if you have a bottle it can definitely age another five plus years, but I don't see it getting significantly better from here.
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1/8/2021 - Colonyhkman wrote:
A beautiful deep red.
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10/16/2020 - Hanibal wrote: 93 Points
2 hour decant brought out all that rich fruit flavor...very long...on its plateau for still many years
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5/15/2020 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 94 Points
Last bottle of the '02 and it was terrific. Still very vibrant fruit shaded with nice herbal notes (including a bit of eucalyptus). This has very lively acidity that keeps it from being heavy, and makes it pair well with food. Was great with a steak but also enjoyable on its own with some hard cheese. CT says drink by 2021, but if your bottles were in the kind of shape that mine were, then they should be good for at least a few more years beyond that. I bought mine directly from Heitz a few years back before the family sold out and the new owners jacked up all the prices and removed most of the library wines from the website. They have more than doubled the price of older vintages available on the website. Just a tragic shame what the new owners did to Heitz; the wines are essentially no longer affordable to me, especially the older vintages. What a bummer...
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3/15/2020 - SparkyMI Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great bottle of fully mature cab.
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12/28/2019 - jkm011 wrote:
Past the prime. Can still drink with nose pinched and a decant.
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11/6/2019 - TheShrimpRider wrote: 90 Points
I enjoyed the wine but it had a huge bell pepper nose. Most people didn't enjoy it because of the nose while others were okay with it. I wouldn't buy it again. 3 hour decant
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6/8/2019 - kbabinski Likes this wine: 94 Points
Opened, decanted and drank over 3 hours with steak. So surprised by the length here. A definite treat!
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1/27/2019 - Bottledrainer Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted and let it open up for 4 hours. Our patience was rewarded with a lush wine. Plums and blackberry with a long finish.
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1/12/2019 - jgreco wrote: 94 Points
A wonderfully delicate nose of fennel and lead pencil. At first, we were shocked as to how much red fruit was left in the wine. The wine felt like a toddler, not one approaching nearly 17 years! Within an hour though the wine transformed itself into something that was far more dark and brooding. I think the wine has hit its peak so I would be included to drink any remaining bottles over the next 5 years.
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1/5/2019 - Ajtrader wrote: 92 Points
2 hour decant
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12/25/2018 - Jeffred Likes this wine:
Christmas bottle
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11/25/2018 - arthurogus wrote: 93 Points
A beautiful wine. The cork broke, even though I had stored i horizontally and used a Screwpull, and so I decanted it through an aerator with a filter. Two hours later the wine was delicious, with an excellent balance of acidity and tannins, and a very long and complex finish, with anise notes and fruit along with the tannin. Served with squab, a real success.
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11/10/2018 - gmbdds wrote: 92 Points
Cork broke. Used Vinturi to filter, not decanted. Lots of cassis and tart blackberry. Tannic structure still present and well informed by oak. This could be at peak, but the hint of tertiary character makes me think it would be worth trying at age 25. Paired well with filets but worth contemplation on its own.
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10/28/2018 - Frank Schneider wrote: 94 Points
Fabulous wine ! Absolutely mature and a point ! Splash decant and enjoyed. The big herbal opera ! Loooooong finish. All in !!! I love it ! Ready for Rockn Roll !!! Drink
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8/5/2018 - j30 wrote: 92 Points
Showing beautifully tonight with elegent fruity and leafy nose and a soft juicy palate. Fully integrated without hard edges, this went well with Peking Duck and was enjoyed by everyone.
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3/24/2018 - KellyAndRob Likes this wine:
Very soft, totally time to drink if you have it.
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1/6/2018 - gonzo_form wrote:
Big & Bold
Bin# 336
$220
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12/31/2017 - Mrp2008 wrote: 93 Points
Father in law brought a bottle over recently that was on point and decided to buy more. First bottle the cork disintegrated and was vinegar. On this bottle the cork broke in half but was quite lively. Fruit still looks youthful although mature it will hold for at least 5 years with a good bottle, some ten. Still some tannin to resolve but really nice, decent acidity and just a hint of green pepper.
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12/30/2017 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 94 Points
Opened with Prime rib for Xmas dinner. Another fabulous bottle of this wine, drinking so well now. Wonderful stuff.
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12/21/2017 - Quarked wrote: 94 Points
Fabulous wine. With about 15 minutes of air, this was red fruits, eucalyptus, mint and cedar. A bit of tannin at the end. Incredible complexity -- so much to taste here, with the finish going on forever. Probably my favorite wine of the year, with very little time left to beat it.
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10/13/2017 - RichEB1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Mmmm. Classic cab goodness. Explosive aromas of mint, cherries/red fruits, spice, herbs, and cassis erupt from the bottle on PnP. You just know you need to stop and buckle your seatbelt from that first sniff (love when that happens). Equally as good on the palate with a perfect amount of acidity, and a firm tannic bite on the long finish that hints at years of prime drinking ahead. Seriously good right now, but honestly I feel like this will be even better 10+ years from now. Highly recommended. 92+ with upside.
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7/4/2017 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
At Mom D's for the 4th of July. No detailed notes, but another really nice bottle of this wine. Still quite youthful and with years to go. Lively red fruit with nice herbal notes on the nose and some on the palate as well. This was bought from the winery recently and the bottles arrived in pristine condition. I suspect that the provenance of these bottles direct from Heitz Cellar is much better than that of some of the bottles that have been kicking around the aftermarket for 12+ years, which may account for some of the variance in TNs. It's great that Heitz sells these library wines directly at a reasonable price. The drinking window on this should go for several more years (the 2016 end date on CellarTracker is not accurate for bottles sourced direct).
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5/2/2017 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dinner with Fitzpatrick at Char. Consistent with my recent previous note. This bottle was perhaps a bit less evolved that the previous one, as I found that the fruit was a bit more primary and the herbal notes were a tad less pronounced. But this was still well balanced and very delicious, with good acidity to make it food friendly. Have to look into buying some more of this. These bottles were purchased direct at the winery last summer and that may explain why they have plenty of good drinking time left despite the fact that the CT drinking window is passed. I don't think that drinking window is at all accurate for bottles that are sourced directly.
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4/28/2017 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 94 Points
Lab dinner at Avvino. For my palate, this was firing on all cylinders. Lovely eucalyptus and menthol on the nose. On the palate, lots of nice cab fruit (more red), combined with herbal notes and lively acidity. I love the complexity and elegance of this. Compared with the 06 Lewelling Cab that was also drank, I greatly preferred this. Bought this at winery in summer '16. Great stuff.
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4/9/2017 - glou.sf Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark berries, forrest floor, smoked meat, and a hint of menthol on the nose. Well integrated tannins with dried berries and plum jam notes on the palate. Good finish. Nicely aged Napa Valley cabernet.
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3/28/2017 - evanqian wrote: 93 Points
Dark red, looks still very young. Dense and concentrated in mouth, dark fruits, jam, cedar, mocha, some green peppers. Ripe velvety tannins. Very long finish.
Still vigorous after 15 years, Amazing! Generally smooth and balanced, but can feel it's yet settled and still developing.
WS 88
Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 18/20, Overall 3+4/10
Total 93+/10
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11/27/2016 - Marc S Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like strawberry jam. It tastes like strawberry jam, strawberry, blackberry and black currant (cassis). The body is medium/full. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity.
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9/4/2016 - Marc S wrote: 90 Points
- Brick color. It's balanced and has flavours of blackberry, raspberry and strawberry with a medium/full body. Silky texture with a medium finish - A wine loaded with sweet fruit.
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8/28/2016 - arthurogus Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good, rich and smooth, after four hours in the decanter. We drank it after a 2002 Ducru Beaucaillou which outclassed it in terms of refinement, but it held its own in terms of lushness and power.
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8/13/2016 - danielolson06 wrote: 94 Points
I tasted this again at the winery on August 13th and have to say, I am glad I have at least one left. Still has plenty of backbone with ample acidity/tannins that will allow the wine to age a bit longer. This still has that very dusty/rich bite to it that I characterize of Heitz wines. Really a stellar one- will probably try to pick up a few more on my next visit.
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7/29/2016 - nicholasoh8 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drank beautifully.
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4/9/2016 - nicholasoh8 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted 3 hours. Drank perfectly. Professionally crafted wine that was smooth with subtle tannins. Black currant was very lively, slightly too fruit forward for my personal palate.
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11/29/2015 - armenm72 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Still the Rutherford dust and fruit I remember from about 5 years ago and now with some age. This is the 2002 that has aged the most gracefully.
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9/9/2015 - juicejammer Likes this wine: 90 Points
A couple steps behind the '03, does not have the complexity and palate development although I could see improving with more time.
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8/12/2015 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 92 Points
At Farallon. As before, but has rounded out a little more and has great expressive fruit and refinement. Rounded, smooth and full. Drinking at a peak now.
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4/25/2015 - Chris Whitman wrote:
Excellent overall, with a nice balance of tannin and fruit and a long finish. The cork broke, so I recommend an ah so and/or drinking sooner rather than later.
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4/19/2015 - slw123 wrote: 88 Points
Cork broke. Definitely time to drink, maybe a year too late.
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4/1/2015 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 92 Points
From a bottle purchased at the winery on the same day, this 13-year-old Cabernet proved to be more youthful than the bottle previously tasted 10/3/13. Deep ruby in color, it flaunts a bouquet of black currants, allspice, black cherries, cedar and cocoa. Full-bodied, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with medium acidity, it delivers similar flavors which are wrapped with substantial silky tannins. Layered in the middle and lengthy on the finish, this wine is still packed with fruit and has impressive structure. Well-cellared bottles should last longer than previously predicted. Drink now-2027.
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11/20/2014 - Marc S wrote: 90 Points
- Garnet color - Please read my 09/14 notes.
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11/4/2014 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 91 Points
At Jeanty. Deep dark center, red rim with only modest signs of age.
Great rich nose, lies somewhere between Bella Oaks and Martha's - has the depth of the latter with the licorice of the former. Clearly Napa Cab, but has some restraint.
Smooth and refined in the mouth, cassis and extracted fruit, good tannin and acid, good length of red fruits.
Great Trailside, drinking okay now but will be better in two plus years.
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9/14/2014 - Marc S wrote: 90 Points
The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is light sediment in the bottle. It smells like strawberry jam, black currant (cassis) and strawberry. It tastes like strawberry, blueberry and red currant. The body is medium. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes medium.
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9/7/2014 - Lilja Does not like this wine: 87 Points
BYOB HT14#1; 9/6/2014-9/7/2014: #BYOB - This really was a disappointment as well. Lots of dried, sweet fruit on the nose. Raisins, chocolate, punschpraliner (Arrack Punch candy) and blueberries. Distinct alcohol aromas as well. Full bodied, with a sweet fruit, slightly matured, Medium acidity and good length. Warm finish, with moderate, but present tannins. Had this for a Amarone. Slightly better on day 2.
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8/13/2014 - Agauthie Likes this wine:
7.3/10 Good acidity, nose pronounced, earthy notes, blackberry, long finish
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8/12/2014 - AWBryce Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cherry jam nose, vanilla, hint of bell peppers.
Smooth, mild tannins, nice length. This was in a very good place.
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6/13/2014 - Battersea James wrote: 86 Points
I expected much more. Quite an alcoholic odour although that started to mellow after about 2 hours revealing a faint stewed fruit bouquet. In terms of taste - quite one dimensional. This is definitely past it's best and the fruit is dying leaving a sour, dry taste on the front of the tongue. It was still enjoyable but nothing special like I was hoping.
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12/31/2013 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and quick decanted. Black currant and cassis on the nose with lots of mint chocolate notes coming through. More dark fruit on the palate with a bit of charred oak and sweet tobacco. Medium acid and tannins with a smooth mouthfeel and finish. A much bigger wine than I expected given the age and what I recalled tasting at Heitz a few months ago. Very good.
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12/16/2013 - cspence1981 wrote: 95 Points
Another gem by Heitz! Full body, light tannis and tremendous silky finish of cherry, pepper and walnut. This wine is without doubt at its peak but I'm not sure it can't be cellared for another 3-4 years. Outstanding!!!
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12/15/2013 - AlexHop wrote: 92 Points
Opened that morning. Medium nose. A bit simple. Body is really nice and still lots of good flavors. Tasted at the Heitz tasting room.
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11/26/2013 - jedwilson Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasted at winery and impressed enough to order several bottles. Opened the first this evening, and found it narrow and a bit tannin forward on initial taste. However, after letting it decant in glass for about 1 hour, it opened up and became very nicely integrated. Nice and full in the mouth with a medium finish. I recommend drinking now through 2016.
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11/10/2013 - Marc S wrote: 90 Points
- Garnet color with slow forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of cherry, blackberry and black currant with a medium/full body. Narrow texture with a long finish.
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11/1/2013 - wmccone54 wrote: 92 Points
Sampled at the winery. A slight bit of bricking but generally holding up well. Still some fruit, with well integrated tannins. Savory plum, and red berries with some earthiness on the palate. Smooth finish. Doing well for 11 years.
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10/27/2013 - jnewman77 Likes this wine:
Dark crimson with nice earthy, dusty notes followed by big cassis, black currant, black cherry, and licorice. The tannins are quite present, but not overwhelming. The finish is good. This is very good cabernet.
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10/3/2013 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 92 Points
Napa Valley Wine and Food Excursion 2013; 9/30/2013-10/5/2013 (Napa Valley, California): Now 11 years old, this wine has softened its edges and is drinking beautifully. Deep red/garnet in color, it offers a complex bouquet of cassis, pipe tobacco, nutmeg, black tea and cedar. Medium-to-full-bodied and round on the palate, it delivers flavors which run tandem to the aromas. The wine's alcohol (14.5%) and medium-weight tannins are nicely integrated. Layered in the middle and long on the finish, this wine appears to be in the early phase of its "sweet spot." Enjoy it over the next 8-10 years. Drink now-2023.
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9/2/2013 - Les Kangas Likes this wine: 90 Points
We had this right after a 2005 Bella Oaks, which was almost the same wine. One hour decanted and was very nice in Riedel cab glass. Not much left, would drink now. Stored properly since new
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7/14/2013 - MDRwinos wrote: 90 Points
Mature, definitely ready to drink. Opened for 1 hour and tanins were still present but subtle. May not be the best of Heitz but certainly an enjoyable bittle.
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4/6/2013 - CLOrta wrote: 93 Points
A lot of cedar tobacco and casis light in body not over powerful yet complex. Drinking well now.
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4/6/2013 - Aspenhawk Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great Cabernet nose!- cherry, slightly smoky with mint adding complexity. Good body, flavor- cherry, vanilla, and a little bit of brown spice on the finish. The tannins have integrated nicely, although they still have a little bit of grip on the finish....the acidity is well integrated and the finish lingers nicely. Overall, this is a great Cabernet - it's drinking well now with a bit of air and/or some food, but should continue to develop a little more over the next 2-3 + years.
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12/18/2012 - MDRwinos wrote: 91 Points
PnP. Mature, integrated, smooth, drink now. Not going to get any better.
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10/31/2012 - Marc S wrote: 88 Points
Please read my last set of tasting notes
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9/30/2012 - Marc S wrote: 88 Points
- Garnet color with medium forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of strawberry jam and cherry with a medium body. Satin-Like texture - great bottle of wine. Please see previous notes.
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5/19/2012 - Marc S wrote: 89 Points
Aroma of blackberry.Medium to full body.Wonderful bottle of Cab that is ready to drink.
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2/26/2012 - Marc S wrote: 92 Points
- Garnet color and aromas of blackberry. It's balanced and has flavours of blackberry, raspberry and black currant with a medium/full body. Bright texture with a long finish - Wonderful bottle of wine. Nose of jam and berries.
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12/1/2011 - R. Coulombe wrote: 89 Points
I purchased two bottles of Trailside at Heitz in May of this year, one each of the 2001 and 2002 vintages. I assume the reviews are from the vintage year rather than the bottled year as both dates appear on the label. I loved, absolutely LOVED the 2001. The 2002, however, had an overpowering nose of caramel. It was almost like poking your beek into a bag of brown sugar. After 20 minutes or so it seemed to settle down and went well with my steak.
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5/28/2011 - Nancy&Chris wrote: 90 Points
drank this with the 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002
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4/9/2011 - thash wrote:
Paid $170 in a restaurant to put this in perspective. How do I even rate a sub 90 point bottle that I paid so much for? It's tough, actually. Interesting how the atmosphere and company can influence your bias. But, 2002 is one of my favorite years for napa cab, especially for estate selected grapes. Unfortunately, I had too much on this particular night. I can't recall enough detail to give this a rating, or to give any description of the experience. I can, however offer a suggestion. Corkage fees are cheap compared to this mistake I made last night. Do your homework on the restaurant before hand. More than 100% markup is highway robbery. Next trip to Flea Street Cafe in Melo Park, I plan on bringing my own.
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4/1/2011 - Marc S wrote: 89 Points
Full bodied and a tasty Cab. Wonderful structure. Very much an old world wine.
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1/19/2011 - AGenochio wrote: 91 Points
one of the more fruitier Heitz that I have had. Not many tannins present. Is drinking well right now and should last for a few more years but I don't see it improving. As others stated eucalyptus, mint, and cider are present.
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12/31/2010 - Marc S wrote: 86 Points
Had this wine for New Years eve. Wonderful full bodied Cab.
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10/27/2010 - Marc S wrote: 94 Points
Great bottle of cab. The nose on this wine is one of the best that I have experienced. Dark red ruby color.
Old world wine to say the least. Eucalyptus and mint are definitely evident. a hint of cedar. I think you can enjoy this wine now or wait a few years. Highly recommended.
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9/19/2010 - Marc S wrote: 91 Points
Outstanding bottle of Cabernet. I feel that this wine is ready to drink now. Tastes very much like old world wine. Very mature wine to say the least. One of the better Heitz wines.
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6/3/2010 - Stirling wrote: 92 Points
Decanted and enjoyed with ribeye steaks. Very dark purple, not showing much of its 8 years of age. Beautiful powerful nose that could be smelled from a ways away. Surprisingly, the eucalyptus/mint character that Martha's is so famous for was more in evidence in this wine than any Martha's I can remember. The nose was beautiful and in addition to the mint there were notes of blackberries, cedar and herbs. Full bodied, viscous and tasting of dark fruits with a touch of minerality. A slight bit of heat on the finish. This wine was sophisticated and very well balanced. Trailside comes across as bigger and more tannic than Martha's but not quites as refined. A beautiful Napa cab, that will particularly appeal to those who lean toward the muscular end of the spectrum. Would not hurt to wait a few years before opening.
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5/15/2010 - godx wrote: 90 Points
No formal notes. Very nice now but should be even better in 2-3 years. Excellent. 90+
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4/8/2010 - Marc S wrote: 94 Points
This was a real sleeper. I never expexted this bottle of wine to be as good as it was. Had an earthy tast. Very well balanced adn is ready or you can still wait another few years. Purchased the wine at the Napa tasting room.
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9/23/2008 - beezer6 wrote: 91 Points
Southern Wine and Spirits Fall Fest (Navy Pier - Chicago, IL): Tasted at the 2008 Southern Wine and Spirits Fall Fest at Navy Pier.
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8/9/2008 - Harley1199 wrote:
Visiting Napa & All Around; 8/2/2008-8/18/2008 (California - USA): Visiting Napa Valley, Heitz Cellars Tasting Room. Ok, it can not match Martha but almost does: Good structure, firm tannins for a powerful CS. Clearly for laying down, I prefered to buy 1.988 for an early drinking.
De acuerdo, no puede batir a un Martha pero casi lo hace: Buena estructura, firmes taninos para un poderoso cabernet. Claramente para descansar en la bodega, preferí comprar una botella del 98 para un pronto consumo.
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7/1/2008 - WineForRob wrote: 91 Points
Decide to go old school with some Heitz Trailside. Classic napa with that distinct minerality in heitz wines. Acidity and tannins work well together making it a still young fresh and delicious wine
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10/16/2007 - vespasian wrote:
Medium ruby in colour with slight rim vs. core. Good legs. Clean nose of pungent blackcurrant, mint leaf and oak. Good acidity. Still quite closed up and tannic on the palate - needs time.
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