2018 Ink Grade - Andosol Red (750ml)

Ink Grade traces its history to 1873, when Theron Ink acquired the property via a land grant and planted vines on this remote stretch of Howell Mountain, later carving his own road down the mountainside to bring wine to market. Heitz Cellar purchased the estate in 1989 and farmed it for nearly three decades before the winery changed hands in 2018, at which point Ink Grade was relaunched as its own independent project under winemaker Matt Taylor, who brings a refined, site driven approach to the property's ancient vines.

The estate sits at up to 2,200 feet on Howell Mountain's eastern slopes, where terraced vines grow in volcanic tufa soils formed some five million years ago during the Miocene era. Andosol is modeled after California's historic field blends, combining mostly Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon grown under biodynamic, Demeter certified farming. The wine matures largely in large format oak and foudre, a slower approach that lets the site's volcanic character come through without excess new wood.

Bright raspberry and red cherry mingle with riper black cherry, dark chocolate, and blueberry, backed by velvety tannins and spicy oak. The finish carries iron and mineral notes distinct to the volcanic terroir. This wine pairs well with grilled lamb, braised short ribs, or a wild mushroom tart.