Ink Grade - Andosol 2017 (750ml)
Price: $76.99
Sale Price: $64.98
| Producer | Ink Grade |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Sku | 31543 |
| Size | 750ml |
| ABV | 14.00% |
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"A blend that can change from vintage to vintage, the 2017 Andosol is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. While the nose is marked by scents of redcurrants and gentle herbal shadings, the palate is full-bodied but taut and juicy, with silky but firm tannins and ample length." -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Ink Grade Description
The Ink Grade terroir is comprised of volcanic rock and ash formed in the Miocene era almost 5 million years ago. This cuvee, inspired by the great field blends of France and Spain, is made to best express the unique mountain terroir. The nuances of this wine pay homage to classic principles of winemaking while expressing familiar traits often found in Napa Valley cuvees.
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.
A PREMIER BLEND OF PURE MOUNTAIN FRUIT: Andosol draws inspiration from the historic field blends of California while paying homage to European principles of winemaking. Each year this cuvée is crafted to best express the unique mountain terroir comprised of volcanic rock and ash formed in the Miocene era almost five million years ago. Undoubtedly, this site and the inherent stress it lends to grape growing saturates the fruit with intensity and depth. The nutrient-rich volcanic soils and rugged site of the mountain vineyards lend vibrancy to this Zinfandel blend. A unique perspective of the Ink Grade Estate, this polished and bold wine is meant to be enjoyed in its youth but will also age incredibly well.
2018 VINTAGE HIGHLIGHTS: “The Andosol contains floral aromas including lilacs and roses, with ripe black cherries and strawberries and a note of pink peppercorn that lingers on the palate. The volcanic soils offer a distinctive iron and tar aromatic flavor married with the fine tannin and acid tension, expressing a profile akin to a cru Barolo.” ― Master Sommelier and Managing Partner Carlton McCoy Jr., May 2022
AVA: 90% NAPA VALLEY, 10% HOWELL MOUNTAIN
COMPOSITION VARIETAL: 89% ZINFANDEL, 11% CABERNET SAUVIGNON
AGING: 8 MONTHS IN OAK TANK, FOLLOWED BY 24 MONTHS IN FOUDRE AND BARREL (70% NEW)
HARVEST DATE: 9.5.2018 -9.26.2018
ALCOHOL: 14%
VINEYARD BLOCKS: TERRACES, COLISEUM
PRODUCTION: 2,684 CASES
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Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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