Marcassin Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard 2000

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 114, May/June 2004 Full ruby-red. Subtle, multidimensional nose offers wild raspberry, gunflint, violet and chocolate. Then densely packed and precise but tightly wound in the middle palate, conveying a powerful impression of energy but not yet fully expressing itself. Less sweet and viscous today than the Blue Slide, which has an almost grenache-like thickness of texture by comparison-no doubt due to its well-integrated acidity. This opened spectacularly in the glass to show hints of wild berries, mocha, minerals and violet. Extremely long on the aftertaste, in the very dry, adult style I've associated read more...with Helen Turley's wines (including chardonnays and cabernets too) through the years. Wetlaufer maintains that this will outstrip the Blue Slide with a few years of additional bottle aging, and I have no reason to question that assertion.    (hide)

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Messenger in Issue 19, 3rd Quarter, 2005 An extremely ripe nose of heavy menthol, mocha and spice notes precedes opulent, rich and succulent flavors that possess admirable concentration and a tangy yet soft and warm finish. This is a dramatic and original wine though it would be considerably better with an improved acid/fruit/tannin balance. It's easy to see how and why some would like this but in my view it will be a questionable longer-term cellar candidate.

Rating: 97/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 150

Rating: 98/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 142 on Aug-02

Rating: 97/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 150 on Dec-03

Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator