Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Pinot Noir 2016
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Parker
Robert
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Winemaker Notes
The Carneros Estate Pinot Noir intrigues with its rich array of red cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate raspberry and spice. The core of red fruit is made complex with layers of sassafras, sandalwood and baking spice that build in intensity through the finish. With an opulent mouthfeel and ideal natural acidity, the wine has significant substance and depth, yet stays lively and lifting throughout.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from the estate vineyard Grace Benoist Ranch and aged in 25% new French oak for 12 months, the 2016 Pinot Noir Estate is medium ruby-purple colored with a very spicy nose of cinnamon stick, cloves and allspice over core of black cherries and black raspberries with wafts of potpourri and pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely plush texture and bags of black fruits, finishing long and spicy.
Other Vintages
2017-
Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
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Parker
Robert
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.