Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – 1987 (750ml)

All three of the 1987 Heitz Cabernets are extremely tight, closed in, and unbelievably tannic and hard. The 1987 Martha’s Vineyard possesses an opaque, dense ruby/purple color, and a shockingly subdued, almost non-existent nose. Only after five days of breathing did the famed mint and eucalyptus nose of the Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet emerge! In the mouth, the wine is rich, burly, and full-bodied, but also tannic and unflattering to taste. To say the wine needs significant time in the cellar is an understatement. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2010.Perhaps these wines are at a tough stage, but right now they do not look to be anywhere as impressive as the profound Cabernets made by the Heitz family in 1984, 1985, and 1986. Prospective purchasers would be well-advised to remember that all three of these wines will need extended cellaring. Whether or not all the tannins will resolve themselves remains difficult to project, but for now, the Martha’s Vineyard looks to be the safest gamble.
Robert Parker – 90 points