Red Wines    Pinot Noir    Carneros    California   
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Date Printed: 5/23/2013
Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2004
Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2004
 (search item no. 91572)

PRICE ON 5/23/2013: $43.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2008 The Wine Advocate rating: 91 points
2007 PinotReport rating: 94 points
2007 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
2007 The Wine News rating: 92 points
2007 The Wine Advocate rating: 90 points
2006 The Wine News rating: 93 points
2005 International Wine Cellar rating: 90 points
2003 Wine Enthusiast rating: 93 points
2002 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
2001 International Wine Cellar rating: 91 points
2001 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
1999 International Wine Cellar rating: 89 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 87 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 The inaugural release of Etude Carneros Pinot Noir hails from their vineyard tucked away in the far northwest corner of the Carneros appellation. Unlike customary 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, rocky upland soils. Combining these soils with the extreme western location closer to the Pacific Ocean 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 be proud 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.
My Notes:

About Etude Wines:

 The underlying philosophy at Etude Wines is that winemaking begins in the vineyard, long before the grapes are harvested. Winemaker, Jon Priest, believes that superior grape growing diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker and results in a wine that is grown, not made. Etude specializes in two classic red varieties: Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Though modeled on the best from Burgundy to Bordeaux, these wines speak clearly of their contemporary California origins, combining rich, ripe fruit with an elegant and opulent mouth feel.