# Cabernet Sauvignon (2019)

- **Producer:** Heitz Wine Cellars
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €68
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California. This vintage is distinguished by its inaugural use of cask aging, contributing a 'racy personality' and 'uncharacteristic wood notes,' while also evoking the purity of Cabernet character found in wines from the 1970s. Heitz Wine Cellars, established in 1961 by Joe and Alice Heitz, is a historic Napa Valley winery recognized for its pioneering vineyard-designated bottlings. The winery is now owned by the Lawrence family, who continue its tradition of quality and integrity, managing 425 acres of vineyards across six Napa Valley appellations.

## Interesting facts

- First vintage to use cask aging, adding a unique character.
- Resonates with the purity of 1970s era Napa Cabs.
- Heitz Cellar pioneered the vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Winery farms 425 acres across six Napa Valley appellations.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and refined tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats like beef and lamb, where the tannins can interact with the protein. The wine's structure can also stand up to richer dishes like duck confit or hearty mushroom dishes. Aged cheeses find a natural partner in the wine's complexity.

## Wine making process

Heitz Wine Cellars employs organic viticulture across its 425 acres of vineyards, with most being certified organic. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage is notable for being the first to incorporate aging in casks, a technique that introduced 'uncharacteristic wood notes' and a 'racy personality' to the wine. While specific fermentation details are not available, the winery's philosophy centers on balancing science and nature to allow varietal and vineyard expression. For their vineyard-designated bottlings, extended aging in French oak for up to three and a half years is a practice, contributing to the wine's structure and complexity.