Marlene Soria, a former real estate agent, fell in love with Languedoc during a vacation in 1973, and bought the property with her husband. They started planting small in the mid-70s, and planted 17 hectares for six years. Most with Syrah, the rest were Grenache and Mourvèdre. The first vintage was 1988, but not released until 1991, with two labels Clos des Cistes and Syrah Léone. She practices organic and biodynamic farming approaches. Yields are low. Wines are usually aged for a long period of time before release, some being up to 10 years. The excellent quality is prized by top sommeliers around the world. The press nicknamed her ‘the diva of Syrah’.
Marlene No. 3 2004 is a blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache, from a stony area with clay-limestone soils.
