The Ink Grade vineyard, on the Pope Valley side of the Howell Mountain AVA, was owned by Heitz as a source of blending grapes, but when Lawrence Wine Estates purchased it, they decided it deserved a brand of its own. A mix of red and black fruits, it also walks the tightrope between being elegant and just lean. Light in structure, it is lightly spicy with some brambles notes, dusty tannins and a pleasant, lengthy finish. It will age well.
Ink Grade, Howell Mountain – Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
By Roger Morris