2019 Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon hails from steep, volcanic soils on Howell Mountain—an appellation known for yielding bold, age-worthy wines with tension and complexity. The 2019 vintage offered ideal conditions: a long, even growing season with moderate weather and no major heat spikes, allowing for optimal ripeness and structure.

In the glass, the wine impresses with deep color and layered aromatics—evoking forest floor, graphite, and savory herbs alongside ripe mountain fruit. On the palate, it balances power and precision: dense with cassis and dark plum, offset by mountain acidity and mineral tension. Firm tannins speak to the site's elevation and rugged terrain, while a touch of new French oak (aged for 22 months, approximately 60% new) adds polish and depth without overwhelming the fruit.

Farmed organically with biodynamic practices, the Ink Grade estate vineyard is surrounded by dense forest and managed with a holistic approach. The wine’s purity and vibrancy reflect a minimal-intervention philosophy in the cellar. It pairs well with rosemary-crusted lamb, grilled portobello mushrooms, or aged hard cheeses.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Ink Grade Estate is part of the Heitz Cellar family of wines and is located on the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. The vineyard spans over 200 acres of organically farmed vines on volcanic soils—one of Napa’s most dramatic and remote terroirs. Originally planted in the late 1800s, the site has been revived with a focus on regenerative agriculture and biodynamics under the guidance of Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr., and winemaker Matt Taylor.

The estate’s philosophy revolves around honoring site expression through low-impact, thoughtful farming and restrained winemaking. Their approach yields wines with purity, freshness, and aging potential—offering a distinctive contrast to the riper, plusher valley floor styles. Ink Grade wines channel a sense of place and legacy, standing out as mountain Cabernets with integrity, precision, and soul.