Evening Land founder Mark Tarlov and Napa-based wine importer Old Bridge Cellars are pleased to announce the launch of Maison L’Envoyé, a joint venture with a focus on Pinot Noir from Burgundy and Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Maison L’Envoyé (House of the Messenger) seeks to explore the finest sites dedicated to the cultivation of Pinot Noir. With winemaking footprints in both Burgundy and the Willamette Valley, the project champions many unsung growers who have worked their vineyards over multiple decades and generations. Bringing together a colorful cast, including Burgundy’s legendary American adoptee Becky Wasserman and Mark Tarlov, the range includes a Bourgogne Blanc (SRP$20), Bourgogne Rouge (SRP$25), Morgon Cote du Py (SRP$20) and Savigny-les-Beaune ‘Les Marconnets’ 1er Cru (SRP$42).
Beyond Maison L’Envoyé’s spiritual home of Burgundy, the search for Pinot regions expressing unique terroir also led to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Here, winemaking consultant Louis-Michel Liger-Belair of Vosne-Romanée is united with local winemaking talent Mike Etzel Jr., son of Beaux-Fréres founder Mike Etzel. Utilizing a selection of both volcanic and sedimentary influenced vineyards, the team have crafted a pure and unequivocal Willamette Pinot Noir identity with the Two Messengers (SRP$30) and The Attaché (SRP$40) Pinot Noirs.
“We’ve been eyeing Burgundy for some time, and to now be there as a producer is a very exciting chapter for OBC,” said Rob Buono, President, Old Bridge Cellars. “Ultimately, the brand fits in seamlessly with our portfolio; we pride ourselves on representing compelling wines from revered wine regions across the globe.”
Gavin Speight, OBC’s Wine and Marketing Director who co-developed the project after a chance meeting with Mark Tarlov three years ago, added, “You don’t just jump into this and hope for the best. Mark’s a kindred soul and we’ve spent a lot of time searching out the right people and vineyards to make wines that really speak of their origins.”
As of January 1, 2014, the wines will be available through Old Bridge Cellars nationally.
Old Bridge Cellars is a leading sales, marketing and import company based in Napa, California, recognized for its collection of regional estates including d’Arenberg, John Duval, Greywacke, Kilikanoon, Jasper Hill, Cullen, Shoofly, Stickybeak and Frisk.