Kobalt Wines Window Pane 2008
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Winemaker Notes
From vineyard to table, Winemaker Mark Herold, Ph.D. has incredible wealth of experience and an in-depth, scientific knowledge of the wine business. A true renaissance artisan with a healthy dose of accomplished scientist, Mark’s background is storied in successfully developing new, highly esteemed wine estates, as well as reinvigorating established wineries. Making wine and advising both larger institutional wineries, such as his work with Joseph Phelps Vineyards, along with his successful efforts at boutique wine properties, such as Harris Estate and Hestan Vineyards, provide Mark with the unique ability to assess the specialized needs of both large and small wineries.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.