Mark Herold Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018

Crafted by the esteemed winemaker Mark Herold, the Mark Herold Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018 stands as a testament to the winemaking prowess of Mark Herold Wines. This exceptional creation, born from the lush vineyards of Oakville Ranch, showcases the best of Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA.

The 2018 vintage presents a visually stunning palette with a deep, vivid hue that captivates the eye. Its aroma is a grand display of complexity and depth, opening with an explosive expression of black fruits. The core is rich with black cherries, cassis, and strawberries, intertwined with the unique notes of pomegranate and gravel. These primary scents are beautifully interlaced with the luxurious aroma of raspberry liqueur, adding to the wine’s aromatic appeal. Delving deeper, one encounters subtle yet profound nuances of dark chocolate, roasted almonds, tobacco, and suede, each element contributing to the wine’s intricate and compelling nose.

On the palate, the Herold Cabernet Sauvignon is a harmonious blend of grace, power, and balance. It offers an intensely elegant experience, showcasing a full-throttle yet seamless array of black and purple fruit flavors. These lush notes are perfectly framed by good acidity and velvety, melting tannins, resulting in a wine that is both robust and refined. The impeccable fruit quality of Oakville Ranch is evident in every sip, making this wine a beautiful representation of its origin.

The 2018 growing season at Oakville Ranch was marked by a long, cool period with timely rainfall. Moderate temperatures without major heat spikes allowed for a lengthy hang time, enabling a full spectrum of aromas and flavors to develop. Located 1,400 feet above the valley floor on the easternside of the Oakville AVA, Oakville Ranch enjoys all-day sunlight. The vines here, producing low yields of small berried clusters, are a source of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Mark Herold White Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 has garnered impressive accolades. Awarded 95 points by Wine Spectator, it is celebrated for its expressive anise-laced plum and blackberry fruit flavors, enhanced by graphite and loamy undertones. Violet, cocoa, and sweet tobacco notes add to the allure, promising a wine that will excel with age. Vinous gave it an impressive 96 points, praising its inky black fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather, espresso, and gravel notes. This blend, taken from three blocks in Oakville Ranch, is described as superconcentrated and explosive ” a heady, unctuous wine that delivers a memorable experience.

Aged for 20 months in 80% new French oak, this limited production of only 125 cases makes the Herold Cabernet Sauvignon a sought-after collector’s item. Herold wines prices reflect the quality and exclusivity of this offering, with a suggested retail price of $195. Released in January 2022, it is a wine that not only drinks beautifully now but is also poised to age gracefully over the next two decades.

In summary, the Mark Herold Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018 from Mark Herold Wines, sourced from the esteemed Oakville Ranch, is a luxurious embodiment of Napa Valley’s winemaking artistry. This Herold Cabernet Sauvignon, with its rich tapestry of flavors and aromas, stands as a shining example of the caliber that Mark Herold wines are known for. Each bottle of Mark Herold White Label is a promise of excellence and a journey into the heart of Oakville’s terroir.