Winemaker Spotlight: Mark Tarlov

The late Mark Tarlov, Crafting Extraordinary Narratives in Wine at Maison L'Envoye

In the world of winemaking, there are vintners, and then there are storytellers. Mark Tarlov, the innovative mind behind Maison L'Envoye, seamlessly blends the two, creating not just wines but captivating narratives that unfold with every pour. As we dive into the vineyards and barrels of Maison L'Envoye, we unravel the tale of a winemaker who elevated the art of storytelling through wine.

Film producer turned vintner, Mark Tarlov became an acclaimed winemaker with his successful first wine venture, Evening Land, which he co-founded and launched in 2007. He teamed up with Old Bridge Cellars in 2011 and shortly thereafter, Maison l’Envoyé was born. In 2014, he was included as one of the 9 People You Need To Know In American Wine Right Now.

A passion for terroir

Mark’s quest to understand what made particular sites so unique and be able to make such memorable wines, led him to great sites for Pinot Noir in Burgundy and beyond.  Mark perceived the world of wine very differently to most. His creative genius, restless determination, and ability to inspire those around him to look beyond the norm will be long remembered. He lost his battle with cancer in 2021. Maison l’Envoyé will honor his legacy by continuing to produce delicious wines that offer unique expressions from their respective sites.

Rethinking winemaking

Honoring Marks vision many precise and specific winemaking techniques are employed that together produce a soulful and generous expression of the fruit flavors while avoiding any heavy tannin, rough edges, or alcoholic extraction. Picking fully physiologically ripe berries, often later than much of the valley, consulting winemaker Louis-Michel Liger-Belair’s infusion technique is more akin to steeping rather than an aggressive extraction process.

Maison L'Envoye

A Transcontinental Expression Founded in 2011, Maison L'Envoye serves as the canvas for Mark's artistic endeavors in winemaking. The Maison draws inspiration from both the Old and New World, with a focus on crafting wines that capture the essence of their terroir. From the rugged landscapes of Oregon's Willamette Valley to the hallowed soils of Burgundy, each bottle reflects the unique characteristics of its origin.

Pioneering Sustainable Practices

Mark Tarlov's commitment continues to extend beyond the glass. At Maison L'Envoye, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a guiding principle. From organic farming practices to minimal intervention winemaking, Old Bridge Cellars ensures that each chapter in Maison L'Envoye's story is written with a deep respect for the environment.

Maison L'Envoye stands as a testament to Mark Tarlov's vision – a vision that goes beyond the confines of a vineyard and transcends the boundaries of a bottle. As we raise a glass to Maison L'Envoye, we toast not just to exceptional wines but to the art of storytelling, beautifully inspired by Mark Tarlov.