5.0 (1 reviews)

2018 Ink Grade Andosol Napa Valley

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.

Ink Grade Andosol wine bottle with a label featuring a white background.

5.0 (1 reviews)

2018 Ink Grade Andosol Napa Valley

Name: 2018 Ink Grade Andosol Napa Valley
Brand: Ink Grade Andosol
SKU: IGANV18
Price: 39.97 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

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.

Retail $85

$39.97

/ bottle

You save $45.03

99pt Near-Perfect Vintage ~Wine Spectator
"Succulent Fruit, and Spicy Oak Nuances All Balance Nicely" ~ 94 WE
"A Firm and Polished Red" ~ 93 James Suckling
"Long and Bright" ~ 92 Robert Parker
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2018 Ink Grade Andosol Napa Valley

$85

$39.97

/ bottle

You save $45.03

About The Wine

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.

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At A Glance

Varietal:: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:: Napa Valley
Alcohol:: 14.5%
Size:: 750ml

TASTING NOTES

What's in the Glass

PAIRS WITH: Steak · Venison · Lamb · Cheese · Pork

Mouthfeel & Acidity

Light Body Full Body

Low Acidity High Acidity

Soft Tannins Firm Tannins

Dry Sweet

89% Zinfandel, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Aging: 8 months in oak tank, followed by 24 months in foundre and barrel.

CRITIC REVIEWS

What the Critics Said

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
Cherry, cassis, and pine notes mark the nose of the 2018 Andosol, a blend of 80% Zinfandel and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured largely in tank and foudre, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, framed by silky tannins, then finishes long and bright, with plenty of red fruit and mouthwatering acids. ~ 92 Robert Parker
~ 91 Cellar Tracker
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THE PRODUCER

Ink Grade

Born on the volcanic slopes of Howell Mountain, Ink Grade traces its roots back to 1873, when pioneer Theron Ink first planted vines on this rugged, fire-forged land. Today, those same steep, iron-rich soils and forested hillsides define an 800-acre estate that feels more wilderness than vineyard — a place where nature still leads.

Revived under Lawrence Wine Estates in 2020, Ink Grade honors both heritage and endurance, crafting wines that balance mountain power with European precision. Every grape fights for survival at 2,200 feet, drawing energy from the ancient volcanic rock beneath. The result is a collection of wines that capture the raw beauty, tension, and timeless strength of Napa’s most dramatic terroir.