What's in the Gullet

Tonight I'm fortunate enough to be enjoying a Napa Valley 1974 Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. I raided my father's wine cellar and have been wanting to drink this bottle for the past two years. I was actually pleasantly surprised that it has held up so well. For a 33 year old Napa Cabernet it's a pretty amazing wine. The color is still a strong deep ruby (only very slight brick-red edges) and the nose has got that minty/menthol aroma, from the days when the eucalyptus groves that grew around Martha's Vineyard influenced the grapes on the vines. Pretty spectacular really. It's probably just beyond it's aging plateau, but it's not showing too many grey hairs. It's got a bit of tart cranberry on the palate in the beginning, but opened up to a smoother brandy chocolate nose. Also, some remnants of black currant and minty raspberry flavor, light nuttiness (like hazelnut, pecan) as well. An unbelievable relic. Glad there's another one in the basement, I'll have to open it in a few years alongside the '75 to see how they pair). salut!