The 1998 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard is similar to a hypothetical blend of a grand cru Musigny and a grand cru such as Clos de la Roche. This is an extraordinary accomplishment. This firmly structured, precise offering exhibits notes of figs, plum liqueur, black cherries, wet stones, smoked duck, and gorgeous red and black fruits. It is a very Burgundian, gamy, earthy effort with incredibly sweet fruit that hides the 14.9% alcohol. This inspirational wine ranks among the finest Pinot Noirs Turley and Wetlaufer have yet produced from the Marcassin Vineyard. This Pinot Noir will drink well young, and last for at least a decade. (Release date 9/02)Tel. (707) 258-3608; Fax (707) 942-5633

A spectacular Pinot Noir that tastes like a Burgundy (Cotes de Nuits) grand cru, the 1998 is the only Marcassin Pinot Noir where the alcohol nearly reached 15%, finishing at 14.9%. From this challenging vintage in Northern California, Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer hit a home run with this dark plum-colored 1998. It offers up notes of raspberry jam, Asian plum sauce, blackberries and smoked game in an incredibly complex, nuanced style. While not unctuous in texture, it is rich, round, savory, complex and deep. Enjoy this gorgeous Pinot Noir over the next 10-15 years.