2001 Marcassin Chardonnay Marcassin Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Probably the biggest sleeper vintage in the tasting (I had not expected this wine to perform so well), I have always had a preference for the 2002, but in this tasting, the 2001 revealed abundant notes of candied oranges, brioche, hazelnuts, caramelized lemon and hints of pineapple and mandarin. With a youthful color, huge body and enormous richness and length, this multidimensional, young wine has 10-15 years ahead of it. It is a remarkable achievement. Marcassin Winery, P.O. Box 302, Calistoga, CA 94515; tel. (707) 258-3608; fax (707) 942-5633
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Quinine, peach, clove and liquid stone on the nose, complicated by a suggestion of exotic fruits. Rich, round, dense and suave; highly concentrated but extremely subtle. The deepest of these 2001s, with minerals and spices emerging on the very long finish, which shows some oak notes of vanilla and grilled nuts. Wetlaufer describes the 2001s-pinots as well as chardonnays-as drier, less open and higher in alcohol than the Marcassin 2002s, and they are indeed less showy today.
Wonderfully subtle, nuanced nose melds pineapple, lime, minerals and faint suggestions of smoke and sulfides, plus a hint of exotic fruits. Then compellingly intense and precise on the palate, with vibrant flavors of candied pineapple and liquid stone. Conveys an impression of chewy extract. Potentially brilliant chardonnay, finishing with terrific palate-staining persistence.