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Girls, let me tell you about the bottle that just made my entire 2025 wine list. Last weekend, I finally broke out the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 I’ve been saving for a proper occasion. You know those wines that just keep popping up on your social feeds with everyone raving about them? This was that bottle for me, and I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to all the hype.
With my girlfriends headed over for our monthly catch-up, it felt like the perfect time to uncork this beauty. We’re all trying to be more intentional about our wine choices this year, and the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has been on my must-try list forever. So was it worth the anticipation? Let me spill all the details!
Quick Sip Verdict on the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
After spending some quality time with this bottle, I’m giving the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 an 8.6/10. That’s definitely in my “special occasion wine” category! Before diving into the full experience, here’s my quick take:
What I Loved:
- Incredibly silky, velvety mouthfeel that reminds me of melted dark chocolate
- Rich blackberry, black cherry, and plum flavors with subtle vanilla undertones
- Sophisticated tannins that provide structure without being harsh
- Beautiful depth that evolves throughout the evening
What to Consider:
- The $99.99 price tag puts it firmly in special occasion territory
- It’s decidedly full-bodied and might be too intense for casual sipping
- Needs some time to breathe (I’d recommend 30+ minutes in a decanter)
If you’re interested in other Napa Cabernets, you might want to check out the Rudd Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, another bottle I’ve recently enjoyed that shares some similar characteristics.
Tasting Notes: What’s Actually in Your Glass
The moment I poured the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, the deep ruby color caught everyone’s attention. The first sniff? Pure bliss! It opens with this gorgeous bouquet of ripe blackberries, plum preserves, and a hint of cedar that transported me straight to Napa Valley in autumn.
The first sip completely delivers on that aromatic promise. The dark fruit flavors lead the way—think blackberry compote and black cherry—followed by subtle notes of espresso, vanilla bean, and just the right touch of baking spice. There’s also this interesting mineral quality that adds complexity and reminds you you’re drinking something special.
What really stands out about the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is its beautiful balance. Despite its richness, it doesn’t come across as heavy or overwhelming. The tannins are present but polished—they provide structure without any astringent bite. The finish lingers wonderfully, with dark chocolate notes that had me reaching for another sip.
The wine’s body is full but not overwhelming—it’s luxurious without being excessive. For those looking to explore more about what makes Cabernet Sauvignon so popular, check out why these wine varieties reign supreme for some fascinating background.
What Wine Lovers Are Saying About It
I’m not the only one swooning over the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Before opening my bottle, I checked reviews on Wine.com and found consistent praise for its elegance and complexity.
Several reviewers called it a “special occasion in a bottle,” which I can now confirm is spot-on. One reviewer mentioned it was the perfect accompaniment to a celebratory steak dinner, which aligns perfectly with my experience. If you’re curious about more red wine dinner options, this guide to meals that pair well with red wine has some fantastic suggestions.
A few wine enthusiasts mentioned that the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 could benefit from additional aging—maybe another 2-3 years. While there’s probably some truth to that (the tannins will continue to soften), I found it absolutely delicious right now in 2025. Some professional critics have scored it between 92-94 points, which seems right in line with my personal assessment.
If you’re a fan of Napa Cabernets, you might also enjoy reading my take on the Davies Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which offers a different expression of the same region.
Food Pairings & Occasion Matches
The Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 really shines when paired with food. When my friends arrived, I served it alongside a charcuterie board featuring aged gouda, fig jam, and thinly sliced prosciutto. The combination was absolutely divine—the wine’s fruit notes complemented the savory elements perfectly.
Where this wine truly excels is alongside hearty meat dishes. I’d recommend pairing it with a perfectly seared ribeye, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, or even a rich mushroom risotto for vegetarian options. The robust character of the Ink Grade stands up beautifully to bold flavors without overwhelming them. For more pairing inspiration, check out my favorite red wine food pairings that work like a charm.
As for when to open it? The Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 definitely fits the “special occasion” category at $99.99. This isn’t your casual Tuesday night sipper—save it for meaningful celebrations, milestone achievements, or those dinner parties where you really want to impress. That said, my girlfriends and I have a “life’s too short for someday” philosophy about wine, so don’t wait for perfection—just make sure the moment feels worthy!
If you’re planning to serve this at a dinner party in 2025, I’d recommend decanting it for at least 30-45 minutes before serving. This allows the wine to open up fully and reveal all its gorgeous layers of complexity. Also, serving temperature matters—aim for around 65°F (18°C) for optimal enjoyment.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?
So here’s my bottom line on the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: if you’re looking for a luxury wine experience that delivers on its promise, this bottle is absolutely worth considering. At $99.99, it’s certainly an investment, but one that delivers tremendous quality for the price point, especially when compared to other premium Napa Cabernets that can easily run $150+.
Would I buy it again? For the right occasion, absolutely yes. The Ink Grade delivers that perfect balance of approachability and sophistication that makes it suitable for both serious wine enthusiasts and those just looking to enjoy something special. It’s become my go-to recommendation for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or anytime you want to make someone feel truly valued.
That said, if you’re on a tighter budget but still craving that Napa Cab experience, there are options in the $50-75 range that can give you a taste of what makes the region so special. But when you’re ready to step up to something truly memorable for 2025’s special moments, the Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 delivers in spades.
Ready to try it yourself? You can grab a bottle from Wine.com while supplies last. My prediction? This is going to be one of the standout Napa Cabs people are still talking about years from now. Cheers to finding wines that create memories worth savoring!
