13 Aug Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Marchelle Wines Tribute to Travis Proctor 2024 Carbonic Pinot Noir, Harmony Lane Vineyard, Russian River Valley
When I heard “carbonic Pinot Noir,” I was curious. But then I heard the story behind the wine. It’s a wine that honors the legacy, passion, and spirit of production manager Travis Proctor. That’s why the Marchelle Wines Tribute to Travis Proctor 2024 Carbonic Pinot Noir, Harmony Lane Vineyard, Russian River Valley is the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.
About Marchelle Wines
Pinot Noir is the heartbeat of Marchelle. Founded by friends Mara and Greg La Follette and Michelle Wong and Kevin Lee, the brand is a celebration of friendship, passion, and a commitment to crafting expressive, small-lot wines. And the name “Marchelle” is a tribute to Greg and Kevin’s wives – Mara and Michelle. Launched in 2021, Marchelle is driven by a love of old vines and authenticity.
With over four decades of experience, Greg La Follette is known in the industry as the “vine whisperer” and “cellar magician” for his work reviving old vineyards. La Follette has held influential roles at La Crema, Hartford, Flowers Winery, and Tandem. A protégé of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, his legacy continues at Marchelle, alongside winemaker Evan Damiano.
About Travis Proctor
Travis Proctor was Marchelle’s production manager. In fact, Travis and Greg had a long friendship and working relationship dating back 25 years. Travis began his 20-year journey in wine after graduating from USC’s School of Cinema and Television. He discovered the world of winemaking through a harvest cellar job in Templeton, drawn in by the parallels between film and wine: both require a blend of artistic vision and technical mastery. His career took him from cellar tech to cellar supervisor across the Central Coast, eventually landing a role with Greg La Follette at Tandem Winery in 2002. There, he managed all aspects of production and consulted for numerous boutique Pinot Noir producers. Later, he expanded his focus to Zinfandel as assistant winemaker at Mazzocco in Healdsburg, and for the past seven years, he brought his expertise to Santa Barbara County, working with top-tier producers from Sta. Rita Hills to Paso Robles. When Greg and Kevin created Marchelle, Travis returned to work with his long-time friend.
Sadly, on the first day of harvest in 2024, Travis passed away. His sudden loss was deeply felt not just by the team, but by his young family and the entire community. His absence has left a space that cannot be filled. But as a way to honor him and to help his family, Greg, Kevin, and Evan decided to make a wine in Trevor’s honor.
Tasting Notes of A Tribute to Travis Proctor Carbonic Pinot Noir
This wine is a tribute to Travis. The Pinot Noir grapes come from Marchelle’s estate vineyard, Harmony Lane, a three-acre site in the Sonoma Coast AVA. The grapes for this wine were picked on the first day of harvest, the same day that Travis passed. Evan decided to make a special Pinot Noir bottling with these grapes. The whole cluster grapes were carbonically fermented and then aged in neutral French oak for a short period.
While carbonic fermentation is typical in Beaujolais, and I have had many wines from other grapes that are partially or fully carbonic, this is the first time I have had a fully carbonic Pinot Noir. The wine has lots of cherry and earthy notes and textured, savory acidity.
The label was designed by the USC Marching Band and includes the image of a horn player in the vineyards, representing Travis.
Food Pairing
With the bright fruity flavors and textured acidity, enjoy this wine with a cheese and charcuterie plate. Or enjoy it on its own.
Where To Purchase
Only 75 cases of this wine were made, and it retails for $45. The proceeds of the wine sales will be donated to Travis’ wife and son. If you want to try this tasty carbonic Pinot Noir and want to buy wine for a good cause, visit Marchelle Wines.
Meet The Winemaker
Meet Greg La Follette and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.
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