The 2019 Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished wine from California's North Coast, produced by Ink Grade. This vintage stands out for its expressive and complex character, highlighted by a 14% alcohol content.
James Suckling awarded this wine a notable score of 94, describing it as "vivid" with "pine needle, flowers, currants, and ripe plums on the nose." He praised its medium body, fine tannins, and the energy it exudes. Suckling noted that the grapes are biodynamically grown with Demeter certification, adding a layer of ecological consideration to this wine.
Wine Enthusiast's Jim Gordon also rated it highly, with a score of 93. He noted the wine's classic Cabernet style, balanced by moderate tannins and good acidity. The flavors ranged from "black cherry to black olive to sage and cedar," offering a snug structure and appetizing texture.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoed the high praise with another 94-point score. Joe Czerwinski described the wine as "sappy" with "pine and herbal notes accenting blueberries and cherries." He highlighted its rich, velvety mouthfeel and long, tart finish, suggesting that it would benefit from a decade of cellaring to reach its full potential.
Decanter also rated the wine at 93, appreciating its "heady and explosive red and black fruit notes" and "savoury-sweet oak spices." The publication provided background on the estate, noting that Ink Grade is organically and biodynamically farmed, with winemaker Matt Taylor at the helm.
Wine Spectator, with a score of 92, remarked on the wine's "bramble and black licorice notes" and "strong mineral underpinning," advising that it can be enjoyed now through 2035.
Overall, the 2019 Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-reviewed, expressive wine with a strong potential for aging, praised across various prestigious wine publications.