2022 Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

ABOUT THE WINE

The 2022 Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a mountain-influenced blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The fruit comes from selected estate parcels across Napa Valley, including a 20% contribution from Howell Mountain. The terraced vineyards are rooted in volcanic tufa soils, and the 2022 harvest was brought in ahead of a late-season heat event to preserve freshness.

Bright acidity and structured mountain tannins give the wine both energy and depth, while a layered Cabernet profile makes it enjoyable young or worth cellaring. It spends six months in upright oak casks before further aging in a mix of larger oval casks and 600-, 500- and 228-liter barrels. Pair with grilled ribeye, roast lamb, braised short ribs or aged hard cheeses.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Ink Grade is an estate on Howell Mountain, where steep terraces and iron-rich volcanic soils shape its wines. The property was first planted in the 1870s by Theron Ink and now spans approximately 800 acres of vineyard and surrounding wild land. The estate is farmed organically and biodynamically, with winemaker Matt Taylor focused on capturing the freshness, grace and distinctive character of the mountain site.