The Etude Pinot Noir Carneros Estate hails from our 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. True ruby in color, the 2008 Pinot Noir bottling offers aromas of strawberries and sous bois mingled with aromatic woods. Hints of sandalwood and cedar on the nose are followed by elegant fruit flavor on the palate. Berry, plum and a cherry core introduce the wine. The saturated cherry and confiture notes are rounded out by brown spice, clove and oak toast on the finish. A lushness arises from the warmer growing season, creating a lively and defined Pinot Noir with freshness and length.Medium red. Pure strawberry and raspberry aromas. Supple and fairly rich, with red fruit flavors complicated by spices, leather, earth and smoke. The pliant finish features sweet tannins. This boasts very good fruit but comes across as a tad lower-toned than some recent vintage, with more secondary aromas.
