Founded back in 1982 by acclaimed winemaker Tony Soter, Etude focused their program on the crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool-climate Carneros region. Tony would later found Soter Vineyards in the Willamette Valley and sold the winery in 2000. Having visited the property several times I can saw that it is a beautiful spot to taste wine with its expansive vineyards, cool coastal breezes and views from across the valley.
In their Carneros vineyards, Etude has nearly 20 clones of Pinot Noir planted. Their estate vineyard, the Grace Benoist Ranch, is located on the southern part of the winery’s property and is massively impacted by the coastal breezes of the area. Winemaker Jon Priest has been at the helm for many years and crafts a range of wines from Carneros and the Central Coast region of California, Oregon, and even New Zealand. I loved his new 2018 Etude ‘Grace Benoist Ranch’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is salty and savory with beautiful red fruits. Learn more about this historic Carneros estate at etudewines.com and here are my reviews of the new Etude wines.
2019 Etude ‘Grace Benoist Ranch’ Chardonnay- Salty and terroir-driven, the beautiful 2019 ‘Grace Benoit Ranch’ Chardonnay is an outstanding release by Etude. On the nose this takes on Japapesne pear and baking spice dusted Challah bread notes with nutty undertones. Fresh and lively, with bright acidity, this will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2028- 92
2018 Etude ‘Grace Benoist Ranch’ Pinot Noir- Silky and soft, the 2018 ‘Grace Benoist Ranch’ Pinot Noir reveals soft tannins that line pretty ripe guava, strawberry and red cherry flavors alongside shades of tilled soils and orange zest on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 92