94 Points, James Suckling

A pure, balanced and fresh Napa cabernet that is not just showing heady concentration and dark fruit. Here you get some violets, nimble flowers, redcurrants, graphite and fine spices. Some oranges, too. Fragrant and nuanced. Medium to full body with tight yet refined tannins. Rather linear, tense and elegant, but lacking neither power nor definition. Better to give it a few years to deliver more complexity.

Winemaker Notes

The origin of Lot C-91 begins in the fall of 1969 with the idea that through meticulous site selection and assemblage, we can create something more significant than the sum of its parts. This historical cuvée is sourced exclusively from the renowned single vineyards of Heitz Cellar and showcases a most unique expression of the terroir of the Napa Valley.

In keeping with the original vision, Lot C-91 continues to be sourced from treasured parcels in Western Oakville, Eastern Rutherford, Southeast Howell Mountain, and the foothills of St. Helena and represents a greater step up in quality from the acclaimed Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged for nine months in large neutral casks and a combination of new and used French oak, the 2016 Lot C-91 exhibits the density and length of which only the truly great wines of the world are able to achieve. The presence of savory elements such as sage, rosemary, cured meats, and black pepper distinguishes this cuvée from any other. The conclusion of the Lot C-91 on the palate displays incredible complexity and harmony, and those who can afford to be patient will be rewarded for decades to come.

Winemaker Notes

The Ink Grade Estate Vineyard claims a view unbeknownst to most in the Napa Valley, lying in the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA. Terraced throughout due to the extreme slopes, this mountainside vineyard clings to volcanic “tufa” soils. Ink Grade Estate possesses a raw tension that renders fruit of immense intensity and depth. If ever there was a site that imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place.

A house favorite, Andosol draws inspiration from the historic field blends of California. The nuances in this wine pay homage to European principles of winemaking, while expressing familiar traits often found in the new world. Each year this cuvée is crafted to best express the unique mountain terroir comprised of volcanic rock and ash formed in the Miocene era almost five million years ago. Undoubtedly, this site and the inherent stress it lends to grape growing saturates the grapes with intensity and depth. The nutrient-rich volcanic soils and rugged site of the vineyards lend vibrancy to this mountain Zinfandel. A unique perspective of the Ink Grade Estate, this polished and bold wine is meant to be enjoyed in its youth but will also age incredibly well.

The Andosol contains floral aromas including lilacs and roses, with ripe black cherries and strawberries and a note of pink peppercorn that lingers on the palate. The volcanic soils offer a distinctive iron and tar aromatic flavor married with the fine tannin and acid tension, expressing a profile akin to a cru Barolo.

Winemaker Notes

The Ink Grade Estate Vineyard claims a view unbeknownst to most in the Napa Valley, lying in the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA. Terraced throughout due to the extreme slopes, this mountainside vineyard clings to volcanic “tufa” soils. Ink Grade Estate possesses a raw tension that renders fruit of immense intensity and depth. If ever there was a site that imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place.

The varying and distinctive landscape of the vineyard parcels included in this Cabernet Sauvignon allow for something very complex to come together. With balance across the board, the fruit from the unique parcels each occupy a certain piece of terrain covering much of the Napa Valley with variations in slope and elevation. Incorporating a portion of Howell Mountain Cabernet, the blending notes of this wine are phenomenal with base notes, high notes, and incredible breadth.

The Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a nose of fresh cassis, pomegranate, and cocoa with elements of thyme, mint, candied orange peels, nutmeg, cloves, and paprika. The palate is linear throughout with a consistent midpalate of bright and lifted acidity and well-integrated raw mountain tannins that close in a persistent finish.