SOLD OUT! The 2016 Mark Herold Flux is California’s answer to a ripe and opulent Cotes du Rhone. This pleasure-bent blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre is drinking like a dream right now, and we’re offering it up at one of the best prices in the country.
Sadly, this is the last vintage of Flux Mark will ever make. He’s decided to focus entirely on his own Napa Cabs as well as his consulting operation. We’re sad to see this one go, but we’re hoping Mr. Herold produces a more value-oriented Cab in the near future. Get your hands on some of this one before it’s all gone.
2016 Mark Herold Flux Red Blend | On Sale Through Saturday, October 3rd
“Luscious, plush, smooth and loaded with ripe fruit and spice, this is stupid-good!” – Josh Spurling – 93 points
SOLD OUT
Let’s get right to it. Taking a cue from France’s famed Cotes du Rhone region, Herold’s “California Cotes du Rhone” is hard not to like. A blend of 84% Grenache, 9% Syrah, and 7% Mourvedre, this one is medium-bodied and luscious. Soaring notes of baked raspberry and strawberry play against aromatic notes of Provencal herbs and Indian spices. Zesty, juicy, and perfect with just about anything off the grill, this is drinking like a champ now, but it has the ability to mellow and improve over the next 5 years.
And it should come as no surprise — Mark Herold is a brilliant winemaker. After finishing his studies at UC-Davis, he became the research enologist at Joseph Phelps. While on the job at Phelps, Mark started making his own wines in his garage in downtown Napa. What started off as a fun side project turned into Merus, Mark’s “Cult Cab” which debuted in 1998 with 93 points from Robert Parker. He sold the brand in 2007, and shortly thereafter, Mark Herold Wines was born. In addition to making his own wines, he also consults for the likes of Kamen, Buccella, Kobalt, and a few other cult producers.
When Mark sold Merus, he had to sign a non-compete agreement which did not allow him to make Cabernet Sauvignon for several years. And that’s why this is his last vintage of Flux. Mark is going to focus all of his energies on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I get it — Cab was his first love and everyone knows it’s California’s “cash cow.” And now that he can make as much as he wants, why wouldn’t he? But man, I’m going to miss his Flux and Collide Red Blends.
So grab some of this before it’s gone for good. And it wasn’t just yours truly that loved this one. Antonio Galloni adored it too. “The 2016 Flux, Mark Herold’s GSM blend, is terrific. Sweet red cherry, rose petal and spice notes are all lifted in this very pretty, silky, Grenache-based red. Medium in body and light on its feet, the 2016 has a ton to offer.” – 90 points.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville