Scott and Marta Rich of Talisman Wines have been on a remarkable journey since founding their winery in Sonoma in 1993.

Marta & Scott Rich.

Over 30 years later, they remain as passionate and hands-on as ever, crafting exceptional Pinot Noir while exploring new horizons with Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and even Nebbiolo. Their dedication to capturing the essence of single-vineyard sites has made Talisman a standout for wine lovers seeking depth, complexity, and authenticity.

Our introduction to Talisman dates back to 2014, during a visit to their Glen Ellen tasting room. It was a revelation.

The Talisman tasting room in Glen Ellen.

Tasting six different Pinot Noirs, each from a distinct vineyard, we were struck by the wines’ ethereal quality. Despite their varying profiles, they shared a richness and character that made us immediate fans. That experience set the tone for every Sonoma trip since—starting with a visit to Talisman to explore their latest releases has become a cherished tradition.

The Riches’ passion for Pinot Noir stems from Scott’s belief that it is the most rewarding—and most challenging—variety to work with. “Pinot Noir requires diligence, patience, and going against the basic human instinct to meddle,” Scott shared during one of our visits. He embraces the philosophy of doing less to achieve more, even experimenting with 100% whole-cluster fermentation to produce wines of notable texture and complexity.

Winemaker Scott Rich at Wildcat Mountain Vineyard.

Scott and Marta’s personal journeys are as compelling as their wines. Scott’s extensive background in winemaking includes stints at renowned wineries like Etude, where he worked alongside Tony Soter, and crafting boutique wines for Moraga Estate. Marta brings her own rich history in the wine world, having spent 18 years at Robert Mondavi, where she climbed the ranks to lead the Northern California sales team.

The astonishing 1993 Talisman inaugural Pinot Noir.

During one visit, Marta delighted us with a rare treat: their inaugural vintage, the 1993 Carneros Pinot Noir. Astonishingly fresh when we drank it at 26 years old, the wine was proof of their ability to craft Pinot Noir with incredible longevity. Marta also shared her love for the 1999 vintage, which she considers her favorite year for wines globally. Tasting their 1999 Carneros Pinot Noir, we couldn’t agree more—it was a wine of character, brightness, and structure, emblematic of their philosophy.

Méthode Ancienne, meaning “ancient method” in French, refers to a traditional fermentation technique Talisman uses for select small lots when conditions and vineyard quality align perfectly. Unlike most Pinot Noir producers who fully de-stem grapes to prioritize early drinkability, Talisman embraces old-world practices by fermenting 100% whole clusters in these special “MA” bottlings.

Tasting 4 different Adastras including the MA.

This process includes foot-stomping the grapes (pigeage) to initiate fermentation, as well as incorporating lignified stems, which contribute tannins and enhance the wine’s structure, texture, and ageability—provided the growing season and vineyard yield sufficient richness, acidity, and depth. While Talisman generally uses 25% whole clusters in its wines, their MA wines stand out as a testament to patience and craftsmanship, reflecting their philosophy that the best things in life are worth the wait.

Pinot Noir will always be their primary focus, but Talisman’s portfolio has grown to include other varieties, reflecting Scott’s curiosity and drive for innovation. “I need to be challenged,” Scott explained, which led to the addition of Nebbiolo—a grape he describes as even more demanding than Pinot Noir. These new endeavors, along with their Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, showcase the same meticulous attention to detail that defines their Pinot Noirs.

One of the most special aspects of Talisman is the sense of community they’ve cultivated over their 30+ years. Attending a recent dinner event featuring their “Dog Vineyard” wines (Red Dog, Huckleberry, Gus, & Sadie), we felt less like attendees and more like part of a family gathering.

Lauren and Bill Hipp, owners of Huckleberry’s Vineyard.

It was no surprise to discover that the vineyard owners collaborating with Talisman share the same passion and dedication. At the Dog Dinner, the owners of the four featured vineyards were all present, each taking a moment to speak about Scott’s remarkable talent and the honor of having their vineyards showcased on the Talisman label. They also shared heartfelt stories about the deep relationships they’ve built with the Riches over the years—a testament to the mutual respect and shared vision that elevate these wines to something truly exceptional.

This ethos extends to their Glen Ellen tasting room, housed in the charming Roma Hotel building where visitors are welcomed into an inviting space and every tasting feels like a conversation with old friends. Marta continues to personally deliver wines to wine club members across California and Nevada. “I love it,” she shares. “When I started, it became a really fun way to bond and deepen our connection with them.”

Honoured to be part of the Talisman family.

Over the years, our visits with Scott and Marta have been as much about that connection as wine. Spending hours tasting, learning, and laughing with them has deepened our appreciation for what they do. Their wines possess extraordinary depth, structure, and soul—a mirror to their own vibrant personalities.

Talisman Wines represents more than artisanal craftsmanship; it embodies a way of life that celebrates passion, creativity, and community. Whether you’re savoring a bottle of their meticulously aged Pinot Noir or exploring their new varietal wines, every sip feels like an invitation to join a story that has been 30 years in the making—and continues to evolve with each vintage.

Tasting Notes

2023 Talisman Dutton Ranch Pinot Blanc.

2023 Talisman Dutton Ranch Pinot Blanc

Dutton Ranch is one of Sonoma’s best known and most highly regarded vineyards. In fact, it is 80 different vineyard plots farmed by the Dutton Family in the Russian River Valley and Green Valley AVAs. This is a classic style of Pinot Blanc, reminiscent of many we tasted in Alsace. Notes of apple and citrus are delivered on a medium+ body. There is juicy acidity which gives a lovely brightness to this wine.

Very Good/Excellent

2019 Talisman Adastra Pinot Noir

Dark red in colour. A beautifully perfumed wine showing classic Pinot aromas of cherry infused with baking spices. This is a powerful wine, broad shoulders but without being brawny. Afterall, this is Pinot! Black cherry, hints of raspberry and cinnamon. Still youthful, this is a structured wine that will reward cellaring (we have drank many Talisman between age 8 and 12 and they continue to be on the up). Subtle notes of earth and fall leaves add hints of savouriness. Excellent (USD $74)

2018 Talisman Adastra Pinot Noir.

2018 Talisman Adastra Pinot Noir

It was interesting to contrast the differences between vintages. Adastra is in the Carneros AVA at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley. The 2018 was probably the more seductive of the two, providing a richer texture, more fruit driven without the same degree of savouriness of the 2019. This wine coats your palate in a velvety robe. The 2018 is for more immediate pleasure while the 2019 is for patient drinkers looking for savoury complexity. Excellent

2019 Talisman Méthode Ancienne DRC Clone Adastra Pinot Noir

The 2019 Adastra Méthode Ancienne Pinot Noir.

Méthode Ancienne, or ancient methode, uses whole clusters and is foot stomped, the original Burgundian winemaking method. This incredibly detailed wine is just sensational! Where to begin? There are aromas of cherry with hints of cinnamon, allspice and dried herbs. On the palate we get black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit flavours with cracked pepper on the long finish. Medium body with wonderful tannins that provide grip but no astringency. Plenty of savoury notes come through and took us to a forest walk on an autumn day. Already very complex this has the structure and balance for a long life in a cool cellar. Powerful but elegant, this is classic Pinot Noir that is utterly delicious. Extraordinary (USD $125)

2017 Talisman Méthode Ancienne Swan Clone Adastra Pinot Noir

Raised in a similar way to the 2019, this wine shows not just the difference of the vintage but of the clone selection as well. The 2017 is a slightly fuller wine with medium+ body. We get those same autumnal notes in this wine, but here the emphasis might be a bit more on the fruit whereas the 2019 leans a bit more into the savoury elements. There is a richness and texture to this wine that is very seductive. At age 7, this wine is in a great place right now. Excellent/Extraordinary (USD $125)

2017 Talisman Méthode Ancienne Sadie’s Vineyard

2017 Talisman Sadie’s MA Pinot Noir.

Another stunning Pinot Noir! Sadie’s Vineyard is in the Russian River Valley which can produce more opulent wines than other cooler sites. Pommard and Dijon 117 Clones make up this blend. The result is an earthy wine with dark cherry fruit, a fully body and a luscious mouthfeel. The tannins and the acidity are perfectly matched to the fruit and this balance gives exactly the mouthfeel that makes Pinot nuts Pinot nuts! There is texture that somehow manages to be silky and elegant while full on the palate. The finish is long and earthy. Extraordinary (USD $125)

2019 Talisman Gus’s Pinot Noir

2019 Talisman Gus’s Pinot Noir.

Gus’s Vineyard is in the Sonoma Mountain AVA at 1100 feet. This is a relatively cooler site as the Petaluma Gap allows ocean air and fog to come in to the site. This is the wine in the Talisman lineup that you want to make friends with. It is easy going, approachable and very likeable! The body is medium+ and the tannins are quite polished. The fruit is luscious and creates a wonderful sensation on the palate. 2019 is a vintage for ageing but we think the Gus’s is the most approachable right out of the gate. Excellent (USD $75)

2018 Talisman Destein Pinot Noir

Destein Vineyard is in Sonoma’s Bennett Valley AVA. Like Gus’s, it is also influenced by the cooling influence of the Petaluma Gap. The bouquet on this wine is something to behold! The red fruit is infused with plenty of earth and forest floor notes. The medium body combined with soft tannins give the wine a pillowy texture: light and easy with no sharp corners, just mouth-filling goodness! Showing the fruit forward characteristics of the 2018 vintage, this wine is ready to go right now. Excellent (USD $85)

2019 Talisman Wildcat Pinot Noir

2019 Talisman Wildcat Pinot Noir.

Wildcat is a beautiful vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA with gently rolling hills. It is high elevation (750 feet) and feels the moderating influence of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This was one of the darker coloured wines in the Talisman line up. This wine really stands out for its individual character. We found this Wildcat really emphasized its savoury nature. In addition to dark red fruit notes, there was a lovely “sous bois” facet to the wine which amped up the complexity. An intellectual’s Pinot that is likely to age gracefully for a decade or more. Beautiful! Excellent+ (USD $78)

2019 Talisman Weir Nebbiolo

2019 Talisman Weir Nebbiolo.

This was our first introduction to a Nebbiolo from Talisman and quite possibly our first from the Sonoma Valley. This was a beautiful Nebbiolo and very true to the paradigm set for this grape in Piedmont. Like a great Barbaresco this wine had an ethereal lightness to it with a solid tannic grip. Earthy, with notes of dried cherry and herbs, this is an age-worthy wine that is on the way up. On the back end we pick up notes of licorice that linger and play with the fruit components in a long finish. Excellent

Talisman Wine

13651 Arnold Drive

Glen Ellen, Ca 95442

E: tastingroom@talismanwine.com

T: (707) 721-1628