Andosol Red Blend 2018

The vineyard behind this Andosol Red Blend cuvée from Ink Grade is located on the eastern slopes of Napa Valley, in Napa County, California. The vines are planted at high altitude on the hillsides of Mount Saint Helena, in the heart of the Howell Mountain AVA, an area renowned for its deep, well-drained volcanic soils. This cool terroir, exposed to mountain breezes and a wide diurnal temperature range, allows for slow ripening of the grapes and produces concentrated, structured, and elegant wines.

The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness on the steep slopes of Howell Mountain, then carefully sorted before complete destemming. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with gentle pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color, aromas, and structure while preserving the fineness of the tannins. Aging then continues in oak barrels, mostly French, for a sufficient period to refine the texture, integrate the oak, and reveal the aromatic complexity of this mountain red wine.

This wine reveals notes of ripe dark fruit, cherry, and plum, complemented by delicate floral touches and spicy nuances of pepper and licorice. Subtle woody accents, evoking vanilla and cedar, mingle with a slightly mineral framework. On the palate, the body is ample and velvety, supported by fresh acidity, firm but polished tannins, and a long, harmonious finish that highlights the depth and balance of the blend.

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.