Bottle Image
Ink Grade
Andosol Red Blend
Napa Valley
- 88% Zinfandel 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
Digital Assets
Front Label Image
Back Label Image
Tech Sheet Image
Sell Sheet Image
Beauty Shot Image
Beauty Shot Image
Brand Video
Vineyards Image
Vineyards Image
Vineyards Image
Vineyards Image
Vineyards Image
Vineyards Image
Vineyards Image
Winemaker Photo
Logo Image
Vintage Wine Name Andosol Red Blend 2018 Vintage 2018 Wine Description Andosol is inspired by the historic field blends of California, but with freshness, delicacy, and grace. In any given year, the Andosol cuvée can be comprised of Carignan, Cinsault, Zinfandel, Mourvedre, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Viognier, Petit Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.“Andosol” has a dual meaning: the scientific name for volcanic-based soil and slang in Andalusia for taking a walk in the sun. Region Napa Valley Appellation Napa Valley Varietal Composition 88% Zinfandel 11% Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Details Ink Grade features Howell Mountain AVA’s northernmost vineyards and some of its highest (up to 2,200ft). Tasting notes An elegant and refined expression of the terroir, the 2019 Andosol carries aromas of black cherry, raspberry, black pepper, and a prominent note of violet. The palate is well-structured with bright acidity and integrated tannins, complemented by notes of pomegranate and hints of cedar leading to a long and beautiful finish. Pairing notes A lovely complement to roasted poultry and grilled meats, pastas, and stews. This wine will also pair beautifully with charcuterie boards. Alcohol % 14 Aging 8 months in oak tanks, 24 months in foudre and barrel (70% new) SRP 85.05 Highest Score 93, James Suckling Highest Score Review Copy 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... [and] biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Acclaim 93 James Suckling, 92 Wine Advocate, 92 Wine Spectator Feature Bullet 1 Howell Mountain’s first monopole estate, first planted with vines in 1873 by visionary pioneer, Theron Ink. Feature Bullet 2 800 wild acres, of which 200 are farmed organically and biodynamically since their planting over 35 years ago. Largest biodynamically-farmed vineyard in Napa County. Feature Bullet 3 Winemaker Matt Taylor learned winemaking from legends like Rod Berglund at Joseph Swan and Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac. Feature Bullet 4 History dates back to 1873, current vines replanted under Heitz Cellar in 1990-1991. Cabernet vines are 35 years, rare in Napa. Feature Bullet 5 Howell Mountain AVA’s most graceful, classically-styled wines, made to drink well on release and age for decades. Winery Ink Grade Winery Description The Ink Grade Estate Vineyard claims a view unbeknownst to most in the Napa Valley. Set among densely forested pines and sequoia stands, it lies in the north-east corner of the Howell Mountain AVA with a predominant view facing East. Terraced throughout due to the extreme slope, this mountainside vineyard grasps 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 which imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place. Winemaker Matt Taylor is formerly of Araujo Eisele and Domaine Dujac, and handles this rugged terrain with care and expertise. Winery Instagram Handle @inkgradeestate Winemaker Matt Taylor Winemaker Bio Matt Taylor was born and raised in Sonoma County. Growing up, his parents did not drink, and he was first introduced to the world of wine by his best friend’s dad, Chris Bilbro, who owned Marietta Cellars in Geyserville. His earliest memories of wine would be mushroom hunting or pig hunting, followed by preparing a meal accompanied by a good bottle of wine. While in college, Matt played football at the University of Washington, winning a Pac-10 championship. However, after suffering two herniated disks in his back, Matt decided to give up the game and pursue winemaking. Matt lived in Cádiz, Spain for nearly two years, where he was able to study and work in a Bodega in Jerez. Upon returning to the US, he was hired as assistant winemaker at Joseph Swan in the Russian River Valley, where he worked the 2000 and 2001 vintages. In 2001, he enrolled in Fresno State University where he earned his post-Baccalaureate degree in Viticulture & Enology. He focused on whole cluster while at Fresno State, which led him to meet Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac. This meeting led to an internship at Domaine Dujac under Jacques Seysses for the 2004 vintage. Upon finishing his Viticulture & Enology degree, he joined Araujo Estate Wines to manage the vineyards and act as assistant winemaker to Francoise Peschon. The Araujos also allowed him to work harvests in Argentina and New Zealand. He would go on to become Head Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Araujo Estate Wines. After the 2010 vintage, Matt departed Araujo for two new endeavors: Reuling Vineyard, a Sonoma Coast project focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Front Porch Farm, an organic and biodynamic farm where Matt converted the vineyards to grafted Rhone varieties. From 2014 to 2018, Matt joined Napa Valley winery Chamboulé, where his tenure was crucial to his development, in terms of research, making wines naturally, and his stylistic approach to winemaking. Matt would go on to form his own project, Matt Taylor Wines, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the West Sonoma Coast and a soon-to-be added Loire-based component. He has also made wines for 32 Winds Wines in Healdsburg, a boutique winery specializing in Sonoma County grapes. In March 2020, Matt joined Lawrence Wine Estates as winemaker for Ink Grade, a new label launching in September 2021. The Ink Grade Estate Vineyard lies in the north-east corner of the Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley, boasting scenic views of forested pines and sequoia and rendering pure, intense fruit.