Ink Grade 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Item Number: 13 20 113 19
Ink Grade 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
94 Point Top 100 Cabernet, Heitz Owned Howell Mountain Vineyard!
Quick Taste
- 94 Points!
- Top 100 on WS List
- Heitz Owned Howell Mountain Estate Fruit
- Biodynamic and Demeter Certified
- 'This classic style of Cabernet shows great balance'
About Ink Grade 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine of 2023
Terraced on the extreme slopes of Howell Mountain, Ink Grade Estate (Heitz Cellars) possesses a raw tension that renders fruit of immense intensity and depth. If ever there was a site which imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place. 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 parcels meticulously selected for their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offer a wine of complexity and incredible breadth. Incorporating a portion of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine possesses bright acidity and structured mountain tannins, distinct in its ability to be enjoyed at a youthful stage.
Winemaker Notes 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.
The blend is 88.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.6% Merlot aged for 9 Months (60% in new French Oak, 40% in oak tank), followed by 26 months (20% in oak tank, 80% in French oak barrels, 60% new).
94 Points James Suckling So much pine needle, flowers, currants and ripe plums on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine and polished tannins. Linear and very tight with a clarity and energy. Vivid is the word. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.
93 Points Wine Enthusiast This classic style of Cabernet shows great balance, a snug structure and complex flavors that range from black cherry to black olive to sage and cedar. Moderate tannins and good acidity add to a slightly grippy and appetizing texture. Best 2025–2030.
92 Points Wine Spectator and #96 Expressive, with bramble and black licorice notes leading off, followed quickly by fresh black cherry and currant preserves. Features flashes of bay leaf and mesquite on the sleek finish, with a strong mineral underpinning as well. Drink now through 2035.
91+ Points Wine Advocate Marked by black cherries and cassis aromas, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a fairly muscular effort—not that it's big or bulky, but it shows plenty of tannic depth and a crisply acidic spine. It should be capable of aging well, even if it's not hugely pleasurable at this particular instant. It's 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot aged in a mix of oak tanks and barrels.
About the Artwork: Painted by John James Audubon and printed from an engraved plate, this piece depicts the California quail, the state bird of California. Officially designated in 1931, quail are found throughout the state, often strutting about and foraging. They are denoted by the curving plume on the top of their heads and are frequently seen in flocks.
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.0%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country United States
- Region California
- Appellation Napa
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