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Ink Grade Vineyard’s story began in 1873, when visionary pioneers, including Theron Ink, first planted vines in the rugged hillsides of what is now Howell Mountain. Their belief in the land’s potential created a legacy that would later catch the attention of one of Napa’s greats.

In 1989, Heitz Cellar—a name synonymous with Napa Valley excellence—purchased the Ink Grade property, replanting the vineyards in 1990 and incorporating its fruit into their iconic Napa Valley Cabernet. Nearly three decades later, in 2018, entrepreneur Gaylon M. Lawrence Jr. acquired Heitz Cellar and appointed Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr. as President and CEO. Two years later, they founded Lawrence Wine Estates, relaunching Ink Grade as its own estate project led by Winemaker Matt Taylor—known for his refined, site-driven approach.

Today, Ink Grade stands as a bold yet elegant expression of Howell Mountain terroir, producing wines that include Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain Merlot, Andosol Red Field Blend, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Perched high above the Napa Valley floor, the Ink Grade Estate Vineyard climbs up to 2,200 feet in elevation, where terraced vines cling to volcanic “tufa” soils. These extreme conditions yield grapes of remarkable color, intensity, and aromatic depth.

Andosol, the estate’s Zinfandel-based red blend, draws inspiration from California’s historic field blends while honoring European winemaking principles. The result is a wine of mountain power and precision—dark fruit, wild herbs, and volcanic minerality balanced by supple tannins and vibrant acidity.

For fans of The Prisoner, Andosol offers a familiar intensity—but refined through the pedigree of Heitz Cellar and the craftsmanship of Howell Mountain. As VinePair notes, “There’s a reason why wine lovers revere Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain AVA. These are some of the most coveted wines in the region due to their power and ageability.”

Ink Grade captures that spirit—a wine of origin, history, and energy, uniting Napa’s heritage with its modern renaissance.

Bright raspberries and red cherries in the nose mingle with riper black cherries, dark chocolate, and blueberries in this abundantly fruity, but also well-oaked and well-structured wine made from mostly Zinfandel. Velvety tannins, succulent fruit, and spicy oak nuances all balance nicely. ~ 94 Wine Enthusiast

A firm and polished red with cranberry, blackberry, and crushed stone character. It’s clear and bright with a darkness and tension. Shows flowers and spices at the end with some dried potpourri and peppercorn. From vineyards in Howell Mountain. Aged three years in cask. A blend of Zinfandel, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. ~ 93 James Suckling 

Zestiness meets structure in this red blend, which features handsome black cherry, dried herb, and savory cracked pepper flavors that finish with refined tannins. Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030. ~ 92 Wine Spectator

~ 91 Cellar Tracker

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