Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Located on the volcanic slopes of Mount Saint Helena, north of Napa Valley in California, the Ink Grade vineyard overlooks the eastern part of the Howell Mountain appellation. The vines, planted at high altitude on poor soils of ash and basaltic rock, benefit from generous sunshine and cool nights. This steep terroir, surrounded by forests and wild landscapes, gives the grapes slow ripening, natural concentration, and an identity marked by the freshness and minerality characteristic of the Howell Mountain slopes.

This Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon comes from mountain vines harvested at optimal ripeness, then carefully sorted before fermentation in vats designed to preserve the purity of the fruit and the tannic structure. Aging takes place primarily in oak barrels, a significant proportion of which is new wood, to provide aromatic complexity, velvety texture, and aging potential, while respecting the fresh and vertical expression of Howell Mountain's volcanic terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, complemented by floral touches of violet and peony, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, clove, and licorice. Woody accents of cedar, vanilla, and sweet tobacco mingle with a subtle mineral backbone. On the palate, the body is ample and structured, supported by firm yet polished tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, persistent finish that highlights the elegance of mountain Cabernet.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.