The Marcassin 2013 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard is a rare and highly sought-after expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from one of California’s most legendary and tightly allocated wineries. Founded by renowned winemaker Helen Turley, Marcassin has built a cult following among collectors for producing powerful yet age-worthy wines that rival the finest Burgundian Pinot Noirs.

Sourced from the estate Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, the 2013 vintage delivers both richness and elegance. The wine shows a deep plum-ruby color and opens with complex aromas of spiced black cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, orange blossom, and floral incense, layered with subtle hints of Chinese black tea and orange rind.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and remarkably pure. Crisp acidity supports a textured, layered mouthfeel that gradually builds toward a long, elegant finish. While slightly more restrained than the monumental 2012 vintage, the 2013 retains the hallmark Marcassin signature of depth, opulence, and remarkable aging potential.

Marcassin Pinot Noir is produced using natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, extended lees aging, and a high percentage of new French oak. The wines are unfined, unfiltered, and not cold stabilized, allowing them to preserve their full aromatic complexity and aging capability. As a result, natural sediment may occur—an expected sign of authenticity in wines crafted with minimal intervention.

With only limited allocations released each year, Marcassin Pinot Noir has become one of the most collectible California Pinot Noirs, admired by collectors and critics alike.

Critical Acclaim

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
A beautifully complex and layered Pinot Noir with notes of spiced black cherries, raspberries, strawberries, orange blossom, and floral incense. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and elegant with excellent balance and aging potential.

94+ Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Dark plum-ruby in color with crisp acidity and layered flavors of Chinese black tea and orange rind. Builds gradually toward a long, structured finish with impressive complexity.

Winemaking

Pinot Noir clusters are destemmed and undergo a cold soak prior to fermentation. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, followed by aging primarily in new French oak barrels. The wines are left on their lees after fermentation and bottled without fining, filtering, or cold stabilization, preserving the wine’s full character and agreeability.

Wine Details

Producer: Marcassin
Vintage: 2013
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma Coast
Country: United States
Alcohol: Typically ~14–15%
Production: Highly allocated
Style: Rich, opulent, Burgundian-inspired California Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark plum ruby
Aromas: Black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, orange blossom, floral incense, Chinese black tea
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with vibrant acidity, layered fruit, and elegant structure
Finish: Long, refined, and age-worthy

Cellaring Potential

Marcassin Pinot Noir is known for its exceptional longevity. The 2013 vintage will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15+ years.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with:

• Duck breast
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Mushroom risotto
• Pork tenderloin
• Truffle-based dishes