One of Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of 2023!
92 Points, Wine Spectator
“Expressive, with bramble and black licorice notes leading off,
followed
quickly by fresh black cherry and currant preserves.
Features flashes of
bay lead and mesquite on the sleek finish,
with a strong mineral
underpinning as well.”
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.