The Marcassin 2021 Estate Chardonnay from Marcassin Vineyard is one of the most coveted and highly allocated white wines produced in California. Crafted by legendary winemaking duo Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer, Marcassin has long set the benchmark for rich, age-worthy Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Sourced exclusively from the windswept Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, the 2021 Estate Chardonnay showcases the remarkable precision, concentration, and texture that have made Marcassin a cult favorite among collectors worldwide. Produced in extremely limited quantities, each vintage represents meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and a winemaking philosophy focused on purity and longevity.

The 2021 vintage displays extraordinary aromatic complexity with notes of caramelized citrus, lemon oil, apple blossom, hazelnut, and orange marmalade, layered with subtle hints of minerality reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet vibrant, delivering remarkable depth balanced by bright acidity and extraordinary energy.

Despite its richness and concentration, the wine shows no overt oak influence, highlighting the precision and purity of the fruit. The finish is exceptionally long, lingering for 45 seconds or more, a signature characteristic of Marcassin’s greatest Chardonnays.

Marcassin wines are known for their remarkable aging potential, often evolving beautifully for decades and rivaling the longevity of the finest white Burgundies. With its combination of power, balance, and precision, the 2021 Marcassin Estate Chardonnay stands among the greatest New World expressions of Chardonnay ever produced.

Critical Acclaim

100 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Notes of caramelized citrus, hazelnut, apple blossom, lemon oil and orange marmalade are all present in this wine of dazzling aromatic and flavor dimension. It is full-bodied with vibrant acidity and minerality. The finish goes on for 45+ seconds. This is another killer Chardonnay from Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer.”

Tasting Notes

Color: Brilliant golden straw
Aromas: Lemon oil, apple blossom, hazelnut, caramelized citrus, orange marmalade
Palate: Full-bodied yet vibrant with remarkable precision and layered citrus and stone fruit
Finish: Exceptionally long, mineral-driven, and elegant

Winemaking

Marcassin Chardonnay is produced with meticulous attention to detail, beginning with extremely low yields from the estate vineyard. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels with extended lees contact, enhancing texture and complexity while preserving freshness and purity of fruit.

The cool maritime climate of the Sonoma Coast allows the fruit to ripen slowly, creating wines that combine richness with natural acidity and structure.

Wine Details

Producer: Marcassin
Vintage: 2021
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Marcassin Vineyard (Estate)
Region: Sonoma Coast
Country: United States
Style: Rich, structured, Burgundy-inspired California Chardonnay
Production: Extremely limited

Cellaring Potential

Marcassin Chardonnay is widely recognized for its exceptional longevity.

The 2021 vintage is expected to evolve beautifully for 15–20+ years, gaining additional complexity and nuance with time.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with:

• Lobster with butter sauce
• Seared scallops
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Creamy seafood pasta
• Truffle dishes