WTN: Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard

Vintage 1977 (bottled July 1981) 13.5%. Opened for my wife's 65th birthday. Hardly any ullage, but the cork crumbled halfway along and had to be worked out with a hook. Opened 15 minutes before service and decanted. Nice brick color, though not opaque, with only a very thin watery rim. Absolutely lovely bouquet that took a few minutes to develop but held up throughout the meal. Not as full bodied as some HC's I've had over the years, but definitely not thin. Impressively long finish. Good cedar and leather notes, very tamed tannins, and overall quite balanced. Probably 5 - 10 years past its prime, but exceedingly enjoyable for all that. Excellent match for my wife's requested meal: NY Strip steaks with Bordelaise sauce, potatoes roasted in garlic and EVOO packets, and lima beans with shallots, crispy bacon, and tarragon.

[David M. Bueker]

Nice!

Very nice!
The 77 and 78 Martha's have been great for decades, and used to be relative values in the world of really top classCal Cab (close to the 74, but a quarter the price). I have one 78 left I think.
Happy Birthday to your wife!

Nice!

It was, thanks!

Very nice!
The 77 and 78 Martha's have been great for decades, and used to be relative values in the world of really top classCal Cab (close to the 74, but a quarter the price). I have one 78 left I think.
Happy Birthday to your wife!

Thanks Dale, I'll tell her...although I'm not sure she's happy I told anyone

[Jenise]

Hi, Tom! Great occasions call for great wines and you delivered. Bravo! And all my best to Wifey.

Hi, Tom! Great occasions call for great wines and you delivered. Bravo! And all my best to Wifey.

Thanks so much Jenise, I'll tell her! And right back atcha, kid