Fodor's Expert Review Mark Herold Wines

Panama-born Mark Herold specializes in collector-quality Cabernet Sauvignons from the Atlas Peak, Coombsvillle, and Oakville AVAs. Herold also makes Uproar, a Cabernet blend from those three areas that astounds for its intense flavors and relatively accessible price. At the winemaker's Oxbow District storefront, where a wall sculpture of a hot-rod-green marlin surrounded by white lilies sets a peppy tone, you can sample four Cabernets at an Appellation Series tasting. The introductory Herold Highlights often begins with a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay (sometimes a dry rosé of Cabernet) before sips of Uproar and one of the appellation Cabs. All visits are by appointment, with last-minute ones often possible. A Taste of Place, an excursion to the winery's Coombsville vineyard, includes a tasting and a selection of cheeses.