{"product_id":"2019-ink-grade-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley","title":"2019 Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe estate is named after pioneer Theron H. Ink, who acquired the land and first planted grapevines on the mountain over 150 years ago. He even built Ink Grade Road to haul wagonloads of grapes down the steep slopes by horse and cart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate is now helmed by acclaimed winemaker Matt Taylor, who trained at legendary properties like Araujo Eisele Vineyard and Burgundy's Domaine Dujac. Taylor practices minimal-intervention winemaking, utilizing native yeasts and restrained oak to let the mountain's natural characteristics—such as wild sage, bay laurel, and flinty volcanic minerals—shine through cleanly without heavy extraction or excessive alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVines sit at high elevations ranging from 700 to 2,400 feet. Because the vineyard features multiple angles and exposures facing every direction on steep terraces, it captures a raw tension and structural power that cannot be replicated under modern Napa planting laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the high-altitude volcanic soils are uniquely planted with unexpected varieties for Howell Mountain, including ancient-clone Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2019 Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a highly acclaimed, biodynamically grown mountain wine from the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA. It features vibrant aromas of fresh cassis, pomegranate, and cocoa, layered with notes of mint, wild sage, and crushed herbs. The palate displays bright, lifted acidity, well-integrated raw mountain tannins, and a persistent mineral underpinning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e94 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e93 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e92 Wine Spectator - 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e91 Robert Parker's 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN WINE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45448820916530,"sku":"850020489138","price":79.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0044\/7165\/2425\/files\/InkGrade.png?v=1688074676","url":"https:\/\/www.vintagewinemerchants.com\/products\/2019-ink-grade-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley","provider":"Vintage Wine Merchants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}