“Marcassin Vineyard, the prized Sonoma Coast hillside property owned by Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer, may be Burgundy's lost Grand Cru.” — Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media
Since 1991, Marcassin Vineyards has established itself as one of California's leading Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers, guided by "super-consultant" Helen Turley and her husband John Wetlaufer. Its wines are produced in limited quantities and hold an impressive record of ten wines achieving perfect scores since 1996. With a reported waiting list time of 7-10 years, Marcassin wines rarely make their way to the secondary market, providing an incredible drinking and investing quality for collectors lucky enough to secure bottles.
Helen Turley: Marcassin Winemaker and Owner
Helen Turley is a paramount figure in Napa Valley winemaking, central to the success of "Cult Wineries" like Colgin Estate, Bryant Family, and Peter Michael Winery. After years of guiding these estates to global success, Turley and her husband opened Marcassin Winery in 1991 on California's Sonoma Coast. The idea (and name) was inspired by a wild pig roast the couple attended in the early 1980s. Many local winemakers notified Turley and Wetlaufer of the beautiful Sonoma terroir that complemented the Burgundian varieties, and, by the end of the decade, the pair traversed the coast in search of the perfect vineyard. There, they stumbled upon a 20-acre plot just north of the Russian River. With the help of a $65,000 loan from Wetlaufer's mother, the couple purchased the vineyard and thus, Marcassin (translating to "young wild boar" in French) was born.
Five years later, Turley and Wetlaufer planted 14 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (split to a 50/50 mix) and later released the inaugural 1996 Marcassin Vineyards Chardonnay in 2000. Following just a few years of operations, Marcassin quickly elevated to 'Cult Wine' status, following in the footsteps of Turley's former clients.
Much of the buzz surrounding Marcassin occurred thanks to the wineries' unconventional marketing, including the lack of information on their website (only a form to the mailing list exists), extremely limited production, and reported years-long wait list. Only 2,500 to 3,000 cases are produced across all wines, leaving little stock for non-waiting list members to acquire.
Marcassin Winery: Sonoma Coast Terroir & Burgundian Winemaking
Marcassin Vineyards owns 20 acres along Sonoma Coasts' steep, stony slopes, with elevations reaching as far as 1,200 feet above sea level. The nearby Pacific Ocean creates the perfect environment for the Burgundian varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as rainfalls of 100 inches are regulated by well-draining soils. When planting the site, Turley followed the footsteps of Burgundy winemaking legends like Henri Jayer, limiting yields to produce healthier and more concentrated fruit.
For most of Marcassin's existence, the wines were crafted at nearby Martinelli Vineyards, where Turley fermented the wines with native yeasts, left on lees for 6-8 months, and aged in 100% new French Oak. Lastly, the wines were bottled unfined and unfiltered, arguably producing California's greatest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Marcassin Vineyards: California Cult Wines
Marcassin has flourished into one of California's finest boutique estates, producing wines in exceedingly limited quantities that are exclusively available through their mailing list. It is best known for its flagship Marcassin Chardonnay and Marcassin Pinot Noir, though the winery crafts the same varietals from leased vineyards.
Marcassin Chardonnay
Marcassin Chardonnay is best known for its ripe citrus notes, and vibrant and luscious palate. Bottles can last in the cellar for at least two decades, with top vintages known to last longer.
The inaurgual 1996 Marcassin Chardonnay was rated 100 points by Robert Parker, who stated the following:
"The 1996 comes across like a mature yet great Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne. The first vintage bottled from their original plantings of ten acres, this was the finest showing yet of the 1996... This magnificent Chardonnay is one of the most profound efforts ever made from this varietal in California."
Marcassin Pinot Noir
Marcassin Pinot Noir has gained numerous comparisons to Burgundy Grand Crus for its elegant profile, dense purple hues, and dark cherry bouquet. Many vintages have gained 100-point ratings from Robert Parker, with the 2004 Marcassin Pinot Noir gaining an especially auspicious review:
"I have always felt that top vintages of Marcassin Pinot Noir have a resemblance to a Ponsot Clos de la Roche from a great vintage. Full-bodied, opulent, multilayered and built like a skyscraper with a silky texture, this profound effort is one of the greatest Pinot Noirs ever made in the New World."
Grab a Bottle of Marcassin Wine Today
Throughout its 35-year history, Marcassin wine has continually gained praise as one of California's greatest efforts, gaining comparisons to prestigious Burgundy Grand Crus. Ever-rare, now is the time to acquire a bottle from this elusive producer. Browse our selection of Marcassin wines and add a bottle to your cellar today.
