Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is really savory with bay leaves, lightly grilled meat and violets. So complex. Full-bodied with fine yet chewy tannins that are layered and beautiful. Some basalt and white pepper undertones. Lovely soft and powdery tannins. Medium body at the end. Thoughtful wine.
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Wine Spectator
A stylish version, with mulberry and boysenberry puree notes glistening with hints of anise, sous-bois and red tea. The restrained toast on the finish lets the fruit play out nicely.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pretty rose petal and cherry notes appear on the nose of Etude's 2021 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch. It's medium-bodied, silky and fresh, with terrific energy and intensity. No, it's not the most complex offering in the Etude stable, but it is flavorful and broadly appealing.
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.