The final masterclass of the day at the 2026 Decanter Fine Wine Encounter New York showcased Heitz Cellar, a benchmark Napa Valley winery, through an engaging retrospective hosted by Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, the president and CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates, which owns Heitz. Despite a long day of tastings, the room was packed as guests explored nearly five decades of Heitz wines, tasting both mature and current releases.
One of the highlights of the masterclass was a discussion about how Heitz Cellar’s winemaking techniques have largely remained consistent over the years. McCoy noted that the winery still prefers large neutral wooden tanks for fermenting Cabernet Sauvignons, opts to block malolactic fermentation in its reds, and ages its wines in sizable oak foudres. This approach aims to preserve the wine’s freshness and emphasize the character of the vineyard sites.
The attendees had the unique opportunity to taste iconic wines like the 1979 and 1985 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons side by side with younger vintages. The 1979 Martha’s Vineyard, in particular, was lauded for its freshness, complexity, and remarkable aromatic profile even after nearly 50 years, showcasing notes of bay laurel, mint, and eucalyptus.
The event featured a selection of wines that included:
- Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 1979
- Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 1985
- Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2010
- Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2021
- Heitz Cellar, Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 1999
- Heitz Cellar, Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013
- Heitz Cellar, Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2021
- Heitz Cellar, Linda Falls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2015
- Heitz Cellar, Linda Falls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2016
- Heitz Cellar, Linda Falls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2021
These wines illustrated a compelling narrative of Heitz Cellar’s tradition and innovation. McCoy shared insights into the vineyards as well, particularly the significance of Martha’s Vineyard, known for its distinctive freshness and characteristic eucalyptus notes.
As a notable addition, McCoy mentioned a shift in sourcing from Martha’s Vineyard: for the first time, Heitz won’t purchase the entire crop from this site, allowing other producers to create wines from the exceptional fruit, a development McCoy expressed excitement about.
The masterclass concluded with the tasting of wines from Trailside Vineyard and Linda Falls Vineyard, both of which reflect Heitz’s dedication to terroir and quality winemaking. The event provided a rare glimpse into the longevity and evolution of Heitz Cellar’s celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon wines, solidifying their status in the Napa Valley wine landscape.
For more information on Heitz Cellar, you can visit their official site.