Winemaker Notes
The aromatics in Mark Herold Collide are amazingly complex with layers and layers of boysenberry, black cherry, milk chocolate, roasted tree nuts and fresh wildflowers. Secondary notes of strawberry jam, freshly milled suede, black cardamom and powdered quartz all meld together for a powerful, multi-layered aromatic landscape.Upon first sip the fireworks set off with a rich display of black and purple berried fruits offering a core of unctuous flavors delightfully supported by savory notes of chaparral and dried herbs. A beautiful and balanced example of California Carignan.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.