Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2017

It isn't often that we find ourselves researching back to the mid-19th century before writing about a new wine. However, this name is likely recognizable if you have found Howell Mountain Cabs to be "your thing" or driven the stretch of land between Rutherford and St. Helena on HWY 29. The Ink House and Ink Grade are two historic contributions Theron Ink made early on to Napa Valley. A native New Yorker, he made the long journey west in 1852; his agricultural upbringing allowed him solid work, a means of income, and later investments when his once profitable pursuit of gold became an ignis fatuus. Like many newcomers to Napa Valley, Theron raised crops and stocked his ample acreage with cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. He eventually planted grapes, and with years of diverse farming experience, he became known as a highly successful agriculturalist. In 1875, along the eastern stretches of Howell Mountain, high above the Napa Valley at 1,500 feet, Theron established a remote place of respite among the idyllic seclusion of the forested Sequoia and pines. His ranch became a retreat for his family - an oasis far from the hustle and bustle of pre-Prohibition Napa. Likewise, it was a treasure trove of distinguished land where the terroir truly spoke to him, and the rewards were ever so satisfying. Rich and layered in volcanic soil, the vines were destined to produce intense fruit, creating expressive and dynamic concentration in the finished wines.

Nearly 150 years later, the land remains lush with diversified foliage and far-reaching wildness. And in the hands of a new steward, DeMeine Estates (Stony Hill, Heitz, Racines - to name a few jewels in their crown) lies a commitment to preserving the heritage of the land and a dedicated approach to classical winemaking. Marked by the words of winemaker Matt Taylor (Araujo Estate; Domaine Dujac): "Ink Grade is about relying on natural, historical techniques to farm elegant and balanced wines and show the purity of mountain fruit. I am thrilled to work with this unique vineyard and create biodynamic wines that honor this place and its history."
 
This is THE new wine for your cellar, and it comes equipped with significant bragging rights when you bring it to the next party. Established in 1873, this rare gem from rugged and pure soils atop the famous Napa Valley sub-appellation of Howell Mountain is BEAUTIFUL. It walks a sensory tightrope between rich fruit and fresh acidity, and while dancing lively on the palate, the charm lingers with a hedonistic denouement. Profound in its presence, the structure and elegance synchronize with the freshness and purity of the fruit. In a word: SUBLIME.