Winemaker Notes
The inaugural release of Etude Carneros Pinot Noir hails from their vineyard tucked away in the far northwest corner of the Carneros appellation. Unlikecustomary Carneros acreage, which is largely uplifted bay bottoms with soils composed of clay,the soils on the Etude Estate site are variations of volcanic origin. They are well drained, rockyupland soils. Combining these soils with the extreme western location closer to the PacificOcean makes this site a decidedly distinct destination.
Etude's goal is to produce a distinctly styled Pinot Noir of the highest quality, a wine that can satisfy any "Burgundian" urge and yet beproud of its California roots. The 2004 Estate bottling is bright and engaging with aromas of cola, cranberry and graham crackers supported by subtle notes of nutmeg. Beautifully structured and lush, the mouth is loaded with complex layers of cherries, brown spices and hints of roasted meats that surround silky tannins that persist throughout a long finish.
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
What began thirty years ago as a philosophical state of mind is now a state-of-the-art winemaking facility where the ancient art of winemaking is pursued with a singular passion.
Etude Wines is dedicated to the study of craft of winegrowing. In classical music, an etude is a composition with a technical focus that allows the musician to practice a particular technique. Similarly, Etude wines are the product of deliberate concentration on the instructive variables of the craft. The end game is not edification alone, but rather the wine itself as a source of enjoyment.
Working together in this oenological quest for perfection are current winemaker Jon Priest and Ast. Winemaker Rob Fischer. They transform the very finest Carneros and Napa Valley grapes into world-class wines sought out by the most discriminating wine lovers. In addition to its widely acclaimed Carneros Pinot Noir and legendary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Etude has also developed a loyal following for Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Merlot and Pinots from the most sought after AVAs around the world.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.