One of the stars of Carneros, Etude dates back to 1982 when famed winemaker Tony Soter created a program that focuses on cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. At the time there were very few wineries doing this. Years later Tony would found Soter Vineyards in the Willamette Valley and sold the Etude back 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. It is a climate all its own.
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. Do mot miss out on the stunning 2019 Etude ‘Herirloom’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is one of the great California Pinots that I have tasted in the past year. Rich and salty, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Learn more about this historic Carneros estate at etudewines.com and here are my review of the new top Etude Pinot Noir.
2019 Etude ‘Herirloom’ Pinot Noir- One of the brilliant Pinot Noirs from Carneros that I have tasted in the past year, the 2019 ‘Heirloom’ Pinot Noir comes from the Grace Benoist Ranch which is set on well-drained, rocky soils. A very deep hue, this displays ripe pomegranate seed, red currants and tobacco leaf on the nose with shades of kumquat zest. The palate is seamless and soft, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Very salty, stony and savory, with a delightful core of red fruits, this is delicious Pinot Noir to consume now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 95