Lot 612

2012 Mark Herold Wines Flux Red Wine 

"Herold soaked up wisdom and success at his first wine gig, as a research enologist at Joseph Phelps. He would go on to found Merus, which Wine Spectator called “one of California’s most exciting new wineries.” Operating out of a converted garage alongside his wife, he started releasing Cabernets that were instant collectibles, scoring in the high 90s. He also began working on the side for a half-dozen high-profile California wineries, including Kamen and Hestan, leading Spectator to call him “one of Napa Valley’s best-known Cabernet winemaking consultants.”

After Merus, Herold took a break from Cabernet to turn his attention to Southern Rhône varieties with this Flux red. Following in the steps of California’s famous Rhone Rangers, he sourced exceptional fruit from coveted sites like Oakville Ranch, Stagecoach and Hudson Vineyard. This concentrated, chewy blend combines 84% Grenache, a dollop of savory Mourvèdre, and a splash of dark, dense Syrah in a soul-warming California Côtes-du-Rhone-inspired red that is simply an unbeatable value." (Wine Access)  Rich dark fruit on the full body. Soft and smooth mouthfeel. Drinking quite well. Wild raspberry and cherry emerging through. Saturating ripe red fruits on the palate along with grippy tannins. Penetrating Cali Grenache blend that’s much bolder than its Rhône cousin. Cellartracker 90 points 

2014 Bravium Single Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 

Generous strawberry and cherry flavors make this medium-bodied wine taste fruity and fresh, and a gentle texture buoyed by light acidity seems to match their modulated intensity. It finishes dry and with a good touch of tannin.  (WE 88pts).  This is a wonderful pinot. Raspberry garnet colored with cherry nose and terrific balance. Pleasing in every respect... (Cellartracker 91pts) 

2016 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone 

"2016 Cotes du Rhone looked good on my recent visit. It's mostly Syrah, blended from vineyards in Vinsobres and the Gard, offering lovely floral and peppery aromas, dark fruits, medium to full body and a softly dusty finish. " (WA 89pts)  Here is the superb 2016. The region combines old vines, magnificent terroirs, fairly low yields and an outstanding climate. The Syrah really displayed its exceptional credentials in 2016 with top quality fruit, magnificently intense colour and layered texture. Although this wine is designed for early-drinking, it will be long-lived, which is unusual for the category. Blackcurrant, truffle, liquorice and wild raspberry.”