Etude Pinot Noir Carneros (75cl, 14.1%)

Etude Pinot Noir Carneros is a 100% Pinot Noir from California's Carneros AVA, produced by Etude Wines. The fruit comes from Grace Benoist Ranch, where the soils are volcanic rather than the uplifted bay-bottom clay typical of the surrounding appellation. The ranch encompasses four vineyard sites across five soil types and 20 Pinot Noir vine selections. Fruit undergoes cold maceration in small-set, open-top fermenters with extended skin contact and a portion of whole clusters, then ages in French oak barrels with a modest percentage of new wood. The nose shows bright Bing cherry, crushed red berries, violet, rose petal, dried flowers, forest-floor earthiness and clove. The palate has red cherry, raspberry, black cherry, black plum, black tea, light toast, clove and a redwood-forest savory quality, with silky tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long, richly spiced and mineral-threaded, with sanguine and loam accents.