The 2019 Mark Herold Cabernet: A Scoundrel’s Delight
For a wine that practically begged to be overlooked, the 2019 Mark Herold Cabernet delivers a knockout experience that lingers like a whispered secret in the shadows. I found this bottle on one of those routine trips to Wine and More in Bellevue. You know the drill—an evening with low expectations, pizza on the menu, and a mind set on casual indulgence. Tony, ever the conspiratorial gatekeeper of hidden gems, pushed this particular bottle my way with a wink and a promise of more than meets the eye. With a shrug, I figured, "What the hell, right?" Sometimes, the simplest choices open doors to the most unforgettable journeys.
Tasting Notes: A Lesson in Complexity
As soon as the cork was freed and the wine took its first breath, the air became heavy with ripe black cherries, cassis, and a seductive hint of cedar. In the glass, it poured like liquid velvet—deep, dark, and shimmering with possibility. On the nose, the bouquet evolved from lush blackberries to more nuanced layers of mocha, tobacco leaf, and a faint touch of anise, like an old leather-bound book revealing a hidden chapter.
It hits you upfront like an Opus, but the aftertaste of a Dominus. The way it evaporates over the food is like a love affair and like nothing you will ever taste again. No ladies and gent’s, this is no no ordinary Cabernet. Rich waves of blackberry and dark plum cascade across the palate, followed by layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and a teasing note of graphite. The tannins are robust but impeccably refined, leading into a finish that’s both silky and powerful—a perfect blend of strength and finesse. It’s a wine that unfurls like a well-told story, leaving you hanging on every last detail until the very end.
I am getting a case. This is my new go to Cab when I don’t wanna wait for a left bank to open.
Luke Kane
Beautiful wines across the board.
Monica VerHelst
We were traveling for Iowa to visit wine country. Happened upon this tasting room and had a very personal experience! We were the only ones there! Emily was such an excellent hostess! We had so much fun! You have a gem in Emily! She is so passionate about what she does! The best tasting ever!
Theresa Pauli
We did a spontaneous wine tasting (four wines, 45$) and are totally in love with all the wines we tried. The people were super friendly. Unfortunately we don‘t know the name of the guy who did the tasting with us. But we learned so much about Napa, the geography and history of the region and of course the wines. Thank you so much for the nice experience! Highly recommended.Greetings from the two Theresas from Munich!
Jen B
Amazing wines, and great customer service! Loved hear all about the wineries
Aaron Prohaska
I can't speak much to this. I was there with a friend who bought some items. They seemed happy with the purchase and was able to get help from the staff when called upon.
Madisyn
20/10 location to visit if you are in Napa Valley! Not only are these my favorite Cabs in the valley but the staff is unmatched too. Sierra does a great job at explaining all of the wines and walking you through the valley throughout the experience. Pictures are from their new vineyard experience which is an incredibly view of the valley and would absolutely recommend trying that out as part of the experience. Tasting room DT is great vibes as well!
John Farrell
The wines are distinctive and delicious and Lisa Hicklin is a delight to spend time with.
Jorge Velazquez
I'm truly amazed at the structure of these superb wines from the Uproar, The Herold. These wines are quality leaders in there price range, what can I say, I'm a fan, thanks Mark, appreciate you.
Very cute tasting room with delicious wines, specializing in Cabernet. We thoroughly enjoyed the tasting and learned a lot about the appellation area.
Anne Oldham Heard
Lisa was a wonderful host & made us feel so special on our first stop of our anniversary trip!The wines were beautiful, and the cheese plate accompaniment was delicious!
Anne Oldham Heard
Lisa was a wonderful host & made us feel so special on our first stop of our anniversary trip!The wines were beautiful, and the cheese plate accompaniment was delicious!
Christian Arias
Stop what you are doing and visit Lisa at Mark Herold Wines. She will tell you stories about Napa Valley winery history that will make you feel you are taking a college level introductory course on Napa wineries. You learn, you laugh, and then oh yeah...you have wines that you will always remember. My personal favorite was the 2016 Coombsville Cab. My wife’s the 2014 Oaksville Cab. This place was a hidden gem.
Alexandra Marie
Friendly, knowledgeable host service! She made our experience so fun and memorable. Worth a pop in for a taste and a bottle!
The 2019 Mark Herold Cabernet: A Scoundrel’s Delight
For a wine that practically begged to be overlooked, the 2019 Mark Herold Cabernet delivers a knockout experience that lingers like a whispered secret in the shadows. I found this bottle on one of those routine trips to Wine and More in Bellevue. You know the drill—an evening with low expectations, pizza on the menu, and a mind set on casual indulgence. Tony, ever the conspiratorial gatekeeper of hidden gems, pushed this particular bottle my way with a wink and a promise of more than meets the eye. With a shrug, I figured, "What the hell, right?" Sometimes, the simplest choices open doors to the most unforgettable journeys.
Tasting Notes: A Lesson in Complexity
As soon as the cork was freed and the wine took its first breath, the air became heavy with ripe black cherries, cassis, and a seductive hint of cedar. In the glass, it poured like liquid velvet—deep, dark, and shimmering with possibility. On the nose, the bouquet evolved from lush blackberries to more nuanced layers of mocha, tobacco leaf, and a faint touch of anise, like an old leather-bound book revealing a hidden chapter.
It hits you upfront like an Opus, but the aftertaste of a Dominus. The way it evaporates over the food is like a love affair and like nothing you will ever taste again. No ladies and gent’s, this is no no ordinary Cabernet. Rich waves of blackberry and dark plum cascade across the palate, followed by layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and a teasing note of graphite. The tannins are robust but impeccably refined, leading into a finish that’s both silky and powerful—a perfect blend of strength and finesse. It’s a wine that unfurls like a well-told story, leaving you hanging on every last detail until the very end.
I am getting a case. This is my new go to Cab when I don’t wanna wait for a left bank to open.
Beautiful wines across the board.
We were traveling for Iowa to visit wine country. Happened upon this tasting room and had a very personal experience! We were the only ones there! Emily was such an excellent hostess! We had so much fun! You have a gem in Emily! She is so passionate about what she does! The best tasting ever!
We did a spontaneous wine tasting (four wines, 45$) and are totally in love with all the wines we tried. The people were super friendly. Unfortunately we don‘t know the name of the guy who did the tasting with us. But we learned so much about Napa, the geography and history of the region and of course the wines. Thank you so much for the nice experience! Highly recommended.Greetings from the two Theresas from Munich!
Amazing wines, and great customer service! Loved hear all about the wineries
I can't speak much to this. I was there with a friend who bought some items. They seemed happy with the purchase and was able to get help from the staff when called upon.
20/10 location to visit if you are in Napa Valley! Not only are these my favorite Cabs in the valley but the staff is unmatched too. Sierra does a great job at explaining all of the wines and walking you through the valley throughout the experience. Pictures are from their new vineyard experience which is an incredibly view of the valley and would absolutely recommend trying that out as part of the experience. Tasting room DT is great vibes as well!
The wines are distinctive and delicious and Lisa Hicklin is a delight to spend time with.
I'm truly amazed at the structure of these superb wines from the Uproar, The Herold. These wines are quality leaders in there price range, what can I say, I'm a fan, thanks Mark, appreciate you.
Great wine in downtown Napa
Restaurantji Recommends
Very cute tasting room with delicious wines, specializing in Cabernet. We thoroughly enjoyed the tasting and learned a lot about the appellation area.
Lisa was a wonderful host & made us feel so special on our first stop of our anniversary trip!The wines were beautiful, and the cheese plate accompaniment was delicious!
Lisa was a wonderful host & made us feel so special on our first stop of our anniversary trip!The wines were beautiful, and the cheese plate accompaniment was delicious!
Stop what you are doing and visit Lisa at Mark Herold Wines. She will tell you stories about Napa Valley winery history that will make you feel you are taking a college level introductory course on Napa wineries. You learn, you laugh, and then oh yeah...you have wines that you will always remember. My personal favorite was the 2016 Coombsville Cab. My wife’s the 2014 Oaksville Cab. This place was a hidden gem.
Friendly, knowledgeable host service! She made our experience so fun and memorable. Worth a pop in for a taste and a bottle!
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