The new Marcassin 2016 commands immediate attention with a flamboyant bouquet full of fresh flowers (red roses, star gazer lilies, etc) and Provençal herbs. Succulent notes of bright strawberry,sarsaparilla, maraschino cherry compote, and cassis gracefully waltz across the palate like a ballerina. Flawlessly balanced hints of vanilla bean, cotton candy, and hints of blueberry cream crescendo on the provocative finish. This show-stopper merits decanting (15 minutes) prior to 2025 and should age tantalize Pinot connoisseurs through 2030 but why wait! 99 points now and likely triple digits soon. – March 2023

Marcassin Winery

Marcassin Pinot Noir is so scarce — it’s harder to find than Screaming Eagle — that many collectors have never even seen a bottle, much less sampled this ethereal wine. For perspective, thousands of connoisseurs remain on the Marcassin waiting list for an opportunity to purchase these coveted bottles, so we are thrilled to share a few bottles with you now!
Even Robert Parker, widely regarded as the most influential wine critic on Earth commented: “There is no doubt that Marcassin is the most difficult appointment for people to schedule, to sit down and taste wine with owners Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer”…and then later declared those two “remain the reigning geniuses” of Pinot and Chardonnay in California.”
Marcassin commands far higher collector demand (+ prices) than any other white wine or red wine in California apart from a few Cult Cabernet. Turley first gained tremendous fame as an integral part of the original Napa Cult wines decades ago. She served as the original winemaker at Colgin Cellars, Bryant Family, and Pahlmeyer.