The Pinot Noir for this wine is grown on Etude's estate vineyards which lie tucked in the southwestern most corner of Sonoma. Unlike the majority of Carneros, which is largely uplifted bay bottoms with soils composed of clay, the soils at Grace Benoist Ranch are volcanic in origin. Within the ranch, there are four smaller vineyards (Laniger, Deer Camp, Temblor, and Heirloom) with five main unique soil types, 20 distinct Pinot Noir vine selections, and a variety of clones that all contribute to the distinctive flavor profile of this unique terroir. The well-drained, rocky upland soils of the ranch and the extreme western location close to the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay, make this site an ideal place to grow Burgundian varieties. The vineyard parcels at Grace Benoist Ranch follow the changing contours of the ranch’s topography. Individual vineyards average only eight acres in size and spacing is dense to ensure low per-vine yields of fully concentrated fruit. Grace Benoist Ranch is farmed to Etude’s exacting standards using environmentally sound viticultural practices. The ranch is certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing as well as Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming.

The 2022 Carneros Pinot Noir opens with expressive aromas of bright Bing cherries and crushed red berries, alongside floral notes of violet and rose, accented by fresh herbs, subtle cedar spice, and a touch of volcanic minerality. The palate showcases strawberry, red currant, and black cherry, buoyed by vibrant acidity. Notes of willow bark, orange peel, and rooibos tea add complexity, while an earthy, forest floor character emerges alongside warm hints of almond skin, mushroom, vanilla, and cigar box. Medium-bodied and easy-drinking with glossy tannins and a refined balance. This Pinot Noir is both approachable and nuanced. Its bright, lifted character and underlying tension offers immediate charm while promising further evolution in the bottle.