Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker & General Manager, Etude Wines
Pinot Noir people don't mess around. Known as the heartbreak grape, fickle and finicky Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes to cultivate. You can't make Pinot Noir half-heartedly, one has to completely devote themselves to its needs and there's no guarantee that this diva won't disappoint you. But Pinot Noir devotees will tell you that the stress it induces pales in comparison to its ethereal ability to transmit terroir. Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker and General Manager of Etude Wines since 2005, is absolutely a Pinot Noir person. Jon beams when he tells me that he appreciates Pinot Noir's demanding nature and its transparency.
Founded in 1982, in the Carneros region of California, Etude means study in French and the winery crafts classic varietals that are modeled after the best in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace yet elegantly express their New World origins. Committed to sustainable practices, Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard. Etude is best known for their estate Pinot Noir and Jon's passion for Pinot has inspired him to explore "how does Pinot Noir manifest itself in different regions" by making wine in other parts of California, Oregon, and even New Zealand. Using a minimalist approach in his winemaking enables Jon to craft wines that are authentic expressions of the grape, terroir, and vintage.
If you share Jon's passion for Pinot Noir and want to explore the differences in wines crafted from diverse terroirs, give one of these Etude wines a swirl!
Etude Pinot Noir 2016, Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros, Estate Grown ($47)
Described as a "true representation of the winery's estate vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch," the vineyards are tucked away in the far northwest corner of the Carneros appellation, near Sonoma. The soils on Grace Benoist Ranch are variations of volcanic origin, unlike the rest of Carneros which is mostly composed of clay soils. Jon says these rocky & mineral-rich volcanic soils imbue the wine with richness and depth. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this vibrant Pinot Noir has lifted cherry and raspberry flavors and a hint of cinnamon graham cracker spice that is a signature of Pinot Noir from Grace Benoist Ranch. Silky, fresh, and elegantly structured, this charming wine has the potential to age for up to 10 years.
Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir 2015, Grace Benoist Ranch Vineyard, Carneros, Estate Grown ($95)
This is no cookie-cutter Pinot Noir. Crafted from several heirloom selections of Pinot Noir that produce low yields but pristine fruit, Heirloom 2015 is a fine example of Pinot Noir's power to transmit terroir. Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months, this aromatic and richly colored Pinot Noir has soft tannins, lively acidity and intense, but balanced, red fruit and spice flavors.
Etude Pinot Noir 2016, North Canyon Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley ($55)
Less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, North Canyon Vineyard is located in a secluded canyon along the Santa Maria river bench in Santa Barbara County's northernmost AVA. Extended periods of sunshine mature the Pinot Noir grapes beautifully but the cool breezes of the Pacific maintain freshness. Jon says there is "a vibrant lift to the wine. Lifted red fruit and Asian spices" and he recommends salmon as a great pairing with this Pinot Noir.
Etude 2015 Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District, Willamette Valley ($65)
Pinot Noir from Willamette is acclaimed for its elegance and affinity with Burgundy and this beauty from Etude certainly meets that standard. The Yamhela Vineyard has rich marine-sedimentary soils that are among Willamette's oldest. The region's cool-climate and ideal amounts of sunshine, encourage slow maturation of the Pinot Noir grapes. Brambly and bright with crisp acidity and fine tannins, this beauty from Oregon is an elegant tapestry of red cherry, cranberry, hibiscus, tea leaves, and spice.
Visit the Etude website to explore their complete portfolio of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris.
