What began twenty five years ago as a philosophical state of mind is now a state-of-the-art winemaking facility where the ancient art of winemaking is pursued with a singular passion.
Etude Wines is dedicated to mastering the craft of winegrowing. In classical music, an etude is a composition with a technical focus that allows the musician to practice a particular technique. Similarly, Etude wines are the product of deliberate concentration on the instructive variables of the craft. The end game is not edification alone, but rather the wine itself as a source of enjoyment. Chopin piano etudes are notoriously difficult but sublimely beautiful... this is an example of the practicing craft transformed to art.
Founder and self described winegrower Tony Soter puts it this way: "There's no better vehicle with which to study or practice the craft of winemaking than Pinot Noir. It is the most challenging, unforgiving and quixotic of all wine grapes, and yet the most delicate and transparent." "Make no mistake it is a humbling pursuit, but when it's right, Pinot Noir is a glorious and moving thing. It is in the pursuit of that experience that we all work."
Working together in this oenological quest for perfection are current winemaker Jon Priest and viticulturalist Franci Ashton. They transform the very finest Carneros and Napa Valley grapes into world-class wines sought out by the most discriminating wine lovers. In addition to its widely acclaimed Carneros Pinot Noir and legendary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Etude has also developed a loyal following for Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Merlot.
2e
California » Santa Barbara County
Wine Enthusiast 90 " Light on the nose with hints of cranberry, crushed gravel, wet slate and rose petals, this affordable bottling gives a good sense
1bCalifornia » Carneros
Wine Advocate 90 Sourced from the estate vineyard Grace Benoist Ranch and aged in 25% new French oak for 12 months, the 2016 Pinot Noir Estate
California » Santa Barbara County
"Etude’s winemaking philosophy remains steadfast with this Santa Barbara Chardonnay and the wine was crafted with very minimal winemaking intervention in order to reflect the unique terroir
Robert Parker 91 "The least expensive offering, the 2008 Pinot Noir Estate exhibits copious aromas of forest floor, strawberries, black cherries and hints of Allspice and
Robert Parker 91 "An outstanding value in high quality Pinot Noir, the 2012 Pinot Noir Estate is made primarily from Dijon clones. Its dark ruby color
" Just as a song's lyrics give meaning to its melody, the vineyard gives unique character to a wine. Etude has handcrafted its celebrated Pinot
The Carneros Estate Pinot Noir intrigues with its rich array of red cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate raspberry and spice. The core of red fruit is
"Deep ruby in color, the 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir is driven by inviting aromas of ripe cherry and red berries and accented by notes of
Robert Parker 91 “An outstanding value in high quality Pinot Noir, the 2012 Pinot Noir Estate is made primarily from Dijon clones. Its dark ruby color
Robert Parker 91 "The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is even more forward than the 2004, with a plump, heady, corpulent mouthfeel and loads of cassis, licorice, and
Wine Enthusiast 95 Robert Parker "Etude has fashioned a dense ruby-colored 2002 Merlot. It offers rich aromas of mocha-infused black cherries intermixed with coffee and herbal undertones.
Wine Spectator 92 "Supple and harmonious, with richness joined by a classy elegance, offering a range of understated currant, black cherry and plummy Cabernet fruit. The
Robert Parker 92 "A gorgeous wine with a deep ruby/purple color and a big, sweet nose of tobacco leaf, coffee, black currants, and licorice. The oak
Robert Parker 94 "The classic, deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa offers aromas of tobacco leaf, cedar, black currants, tar, licorice, and espresso. Full-bodied, powerful, and
Wine Spectator 93 "Loamy earth, currant and blackberry aromas have a dusty edge. Intense yet elegant, full-bodied and concentrated, with firm tannins providing structure and depth.
" This Estate Grown Rose is made with Pinot Noir grapes -- the variety for which Etude is justly known – this is a well-structured,
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nice black cherry core, flavorful and this wine has a more noticeable cut of citrusy acid
"Deep ruby in color, the 2011 Carneros Pinot Noir is driven by inviting aromas of ripe cherry and red berries and accented by notes of
" Rich in ripe cherry, red raspberry and fresh strawberry, this youthful Pinot Noir drinks complex with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, sandalwood and cola. Offering
The Carneros Estate Pinot Noir intrigues with its rich array of red cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate raspberry and spice. The core of red fruit is
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