Mark Herold Cabernet Sauvignon Herold 2010
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In most vintages there are less than 200 cases of the top cuvee, the Cabernet Sauvignon Herold by Mark Herold. The 2010 is another 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, in this case from both the Coombsville and Oakville AVAs. A massive Cabernet, it offers plenty of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit intertwined with hints of incense, charcoal, graphite and toasty oak. This full-bodied effort is very much in the style of the Merus Cabernet Sauvignons that first launched Mark Herold’s career as a winemaker. This big, balls-to-the-walls style of Cabernet is not for everybody, but it exhibits exceptional purity, richness and length.
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Wine Spectator
Plush and structured, with pure, ripe notes of plum, blackberry, jazzy oak and crushed rock, gaining depth and persistence. Features an intriguing finish, where the flavors unfold.
Merus was a labor of love that Mark started in 1998—a Cult Cabernet Sauvignon that he made in his garage in downtown Napa. His first vintage was extremely challenging weather wise as well as having limited access to equipment. Aside from all the challenges the 1998 Merus received 93 points from Robert Parker. Mark started his consulting business soon after with a client list that has included Hestan, Kamen, Harris, Buccella, Kobalt, Celani Family Vineyards, Maze and The Vineyardist. Mark is a Taurus and his favorite food is Sushi.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.