Ming L

9.4

The ‘15 was great. The ‘16 is even better!
From magnum. The nose is dark and savory, with bay leafs and crushed rocks commingling with beautifully ripen fruits. Powerful and dense on the palate. The tannins are delicious, soft yet mouth coating. Probably needs another 8-10 to peak.
Fruits are from the estate Profile vineyard and Trumbull and Stagecoach vineyards. Predominantly Cab with Merlot and Petit Verdot. — 2 months ago

Ronald LaMascus

9.3

Definitely worth the wait! Some folks said this vintage was at its peak several years ago but my patience is being rewarded!! Again, the cork was unbelievably tight but with perseverance a good waiters friend, finally wrestled it out without breaking. This wine definitely needs some air and time to settle down and get the full flavor and taste restored. I can taste parmigiana regganio, bruschetta, high grade EVOO and balsamic with a crusty bread. Veal and tomato sauce, even Osso Buco. I love Brunello and while this is not considered a top iteration, it’s still definitely worth drinking. — 2 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.5

Enjoyed this with a black pepper-encrusted gold-grade Waygu filet mignon from Snake River Farms. Both were amazing! — 4 years ago

with Vanessa

Jake Hajer

9.6

Out of magnum: Stunning and powerful. Poured it along side grand crus and precious other magnums. Every glass poured was met with dilated pupils. Prosciutto, unripe figs. A wine you can smell at distance. — 5 months ago

AEL

9.0

Not exactly what I expected - hits all the notes, cinnamon and chocolate undertones, heavy dark fruit - but in a slightly more restrained style. Took an hour to really open up; 14% ABV. — 9 months ago

Deborah M

9.6

I convinced a friend to attend a pop and pour tasting for Heitz Cellar last night. The lineup included:

* 2017 Lot C-91 - Previously made once in 1961.
* 2016 Trailside Vineyard -
* 2016 Martha’s Vineyard -
* 2017 Howell Mountain Ink Grade

I love producers that have not strayed from what I call that “classic Napa style,” and I also love mountain fruit. The Heitz Trailside and Martha’s were both really nice (Martha gets an extra star from me), Ink Grade was next level.

Ink Grade is hugely massive, complex, powerful, and fresh, all at the same time. This wine easily falls in my top 3 favorite discoveries in 2022.

Details: 100% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest Date September 6, 2017. 100% French Oak. Bottled on March 8, 2021. ABV 14%.

This wine deserves a fabulous pairing. Our loss that the Jimmy Hendrix/Miles Davis collaboration never happened, but if it had I would be listening to them with this bottle. — 2 years ago

Ryan Kravitz

9.0

nice dry crisp some salinity. excited to dry it cooler, and would typically let age for another year but ce la vie Day 2 was a vast improvement on the nose honey covered fresh apple and pear nice critic splash in the mouth adult grade lemonade — 6 months ago

Jay Eagan

9.8

Consistent grade Pritchard Hill, Cabernet — a year ago

with Kristine

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

8.9

Good Napa SB, but definitely wanted more for the money. — 2 years ago

Byron Hewett

9.3

This is the Ink Grade Vineyard. Excellent. — 4 years ago