Heitz Linda Falls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

95/100 Decanter Much deliberation goes into introducing vineyard designates at Heitz, and the 2014 Linda Falls Cabernet is only the second release from this site, planted in 2002. It aged for one year in large American oak vessels before being transferred into French oak barrels for two more years. It is classic Howell Mountain: gritty, burly and driving, with dark, drying, rustic tones running through the finish. It is fascinating to taste a mountain-grown Cabernet from this predominantly valley floor-oriented producer. (decanter.com) 94/100 WS This sports a youthfully rugged edge to the mix of black currant and fig paste flavors, as tobacco leaf, tar and bramble notes assert themselves through the finish. Shows a sense of freshness throughout, with a bolt of licorice snap grounding everything in the end. Very solid. Best from 2021 through 2040. 685 cases made. (Winespectator, winespectator.com) Introduced in 2013, Linda Falls Vineyard is the third and most recent of our single-vineyard cabernet sauvignons. Selected for its unique position and topography on Howell Mountain, our Linda Falls Vineyard allows for a distinct terroir expression in our classic, Heitz style. In 2002, we planted cabernet sauvignon vines on Howell Mountain near the gateway to the picturesque Linda Falls Preserve. Stretching above the fog at an average elevation of 1,500 feet, this area is known for well-drained, volcanic soils and a cooler climate which results in longer hang time. The vines are planted in narrow rows, deliberately positioned to capture the strongest rays of the summer sun. As the fruit matures, the dense spacing and abundant sunshine leads to a low yield of smaller berries with thick, deeply-hued skins. This picturesque, hilly vineyard is surrounded by pine trees, deer, and bears; a truly special slice of Napa Valley. (Heitz Cellar)  
3 Jahre in großen Holzfässern aus amerikanischer Eiche gelagert, gefolgt von weiteren 2 Jahren Reifung in neuen französischen Limousin-Barriques
Bewertung Jahrgang: ****/*****, Bewertung Decanter: 95/100, Bewertung Wine Spectator: 94/100, Bewertung Daniel Nussbaum: 94+/100