So this, my second installment of our ABC wine trip to California, will be focusing on one of my  favorite highlights of the trip to Napa Valley a few weeks ago. We were given an opportunity to stop at one of the truly iconic family-owned wineries in Napa Valley, Heitz Cellars. In 1961, the very small eight-acre vineyard was started by Joe and Alice Heitz. Three years later it was joined by another 160 acres of St. Helena Vineyards, but the winery maintained its unpretentious, small, family-run winery feel--even now at over 375 acres and 50 years later. Though the venerable Joe Heitz passed away in 2000, Alice is still lending her experience and palate to the operation which is still in the hands of family. Son David Heitz is the head winemaker and daughter Kathleen Heitz Myers is the CEO of Heitz Cellars.

Of all the early contributions that the innovative winemaker Joe Heitz brought to Napa was the single-vineyard designation. His single-vineyard Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was one the first of the of great Napa Valley Cabernets to carry the name of a specific vineyard site on the label. Though common place now, it was very much ahead of its time in 1966. Today, the Martha's Vineyard Cabernet is still one of the standards of quality in Napa Valley. We had the wonderful experience of tasting the 2005 vintage of the Martha’s Vineyard Cab, a favorite of Kathleen’s. We were also treated to the Heitz Cellars Trailside Cabernet and Napa Cabernet Sauvignon--all were delicious and are available at ABC.

Heitz describes their 2006 Martha's Vineyard Cabernet: "Pure and concentrated, our Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon shares the unique beauty of its Napa Valley terroir with its lush varietal aroma.
This is a well-integrated wine with a generous core of dark, rich fruit lightly embraced with mint. Layers of black cherry flavor unfold gracefully across the palate, building to a long, lovely finish. The incomparable Martha's Vineyard Cabernet is internationally acclaimed for its distinctive flavor and quality. Whether you choose to drink it today or cellar it for years to come, this is an unforgettable wine from a fabulous vintage!"

The 2006 Trailside Cabernet is a high-end red perfect for grilled steak. "From first pour you will notice the rich, opulent hue of the wine. Sweet, earthy smells of tobacco and ripe blackberries will draw you into the glass. On the palate, the wine delights with an excellent balance, and a long, chocolaty finish," explains the winery.

It was a great thrill to visit this historic winery and taste through some of the best Napa has to offer. I look forward to sharing with you all in future posts some of the other wineries we had a chance to visit on this tour through the Napa Valley. Until then, cheers!

Ken Amendola, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinekena