This Pinot Noir hails from the Estate 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. The vineyard parcels were customized to conform to the various soil types and the changing contours of the topography. Individual read more...vineyards average only 8 acres in size. The spacing is dense to ensure low per vine yields of fully concentrated fruit.The goal is to produce a distinctly d Pinot Noir of the highest quality, a wine that can satisfy any "Burgundian" urge and yet be proud of its California roots. The 2006 Estate bottling offers inviting cool climate aromatics of raspberry, pomegranate and sandalwood with a touch of turned earth. Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet frambois strawberries, red cherries and mocha. The lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak creates a defined Pinot Noir with elegance and length.Washington Post | Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page | April 2, 2008Appreciate the balanced smoothness of a wine that results from a blend of grapes from different vineyards. It had bright red and black cherries on both the nose and the palate, with captivating minerality. (hide)