Marcassin Vineyard: French for “young wild boar”, Marcassin Vineyard’s Helen Turley arguably produces some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California. Their commitment to excellence in producing world class wine is rooted in meticulous work in the vineyard, but also in highly detailed, focused winemaking. The wines offer the age worthiness of the finest Burgundian wines, yet express California terroir at its best.  

Marcassin Vineyards (Great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay):

RP 99 - 2003 Marcassin Estate Pinot Noir - The 2003 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard borders on perfection. Gorgeous floral notes intermixed with steak tartare, black raspberry, sweet cherry, plum, earth, and spice characteristics almost overwhelm the olfactory senses. Full-bodied with good acidity, sweet but present tannin, and a long, 50-second finish, this is a magnificent Pinot Noir. It’s hard to choose between this cuvee and the Blue Slide Ridge 2003 Pinot. Bottom line ... life is too short not to have both.

RP 99 - 2002 Marcassin Estate Chardonnay - Not surprisingly, the 2002 Chardonnay Marcassin Vineyard is tight, but has come on like gang busters and is certainly a remarkable effort. Tasting like a prodigious Chevalier-Montrachet or Corton-Charlemagne, it exhibits wonderfully subtle notes of nectarine, hazelnut, crushed rock, white currants, and a touch of smoke and earth. Full-bodied with great acidity, this glorious effort may be the Chardonnay of the vintage. It should drink well for at least a decade.