1998 Marcassin Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Tasted from magnum, the 1998 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard is a glorious mature Marcassin Pinot. Tobacco, cedar, menthol, dried herbs, incense and chocolate open in the bouquet. Still quite dense and deep, the 1998 is heady, full-throttle powerhouse. Based on the wine's density, I imagine it will continue to drink well for another handful of years, maybe more. Hints of dried herbs, leather, sage, tobacco and menthol linger. All of this fruit is from the original planting. This magnum is a very rare bird; Marcassin only bottles 10-15 cases of magnums per year.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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.
Full red-ruby. Aromas of redcurrant, plum, raspberry, mocha and nuts, plus a suggestion of oatmeal. Dense and concentrated, with considerably more primary fruit character and freshness than the other two '98 Marcassin pinots. Finishes very long and ripely tannic.