Etude Winery

California Wine, Napa Valley

About Etude Vineyard Winery

Etude Winery is the creation of one of California's most influential and successful winemakers/consultants, Tony Soter. While his clients include a list of Who's Who of California, Araujo Estate Wines, Spottswoode, Viader, Rubicon, Dalle Valle, and others, Soter also makes 5,000 cases of wine under his Etude label. He is a Pinot Noir enthusiast and about 60% of his total production is a Morey-St.-Denis/Domaine Dujac-inspired wine. He also fashions a powerful, rich Cabernet Sauvignon and, more recently, sometasty, light, fruity white wines. Soter often utilizes the French technique called saignee (bleeding off excess juice to concentrate the remainder), to increase the concentration of his Pinot Noir. The rose-colored juice is used to produce a lively, pure, crisp, strawberry and cherry-scented Rose of Pinot Noir...

Etude Winery 2000 Pinot Noir

For many, Etude represents the royalty of California Pinot Noir. Tony Soter has perfected his craft as illustrated by this rich, complex, yet subtle example of the variety. Superb vineyard sources, under the hand of one of California's top winemakers makes this wine a must for fans of Pinot Noir. Pure, velvety and complex, the 2000 Etude Pinot Noir will satisfy any 'Burgundian' urge!

Etude Winery 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

Ripe and supple, with fleshy currant, plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit that's rich and focused, long on the finish.

Etude Winery 2001 Pinot Blanc Carneros

Pale, green-tinged color. High-pitched aromas of lemon, lime and mint. Intensely flavored and vibrant, with citrus and stone flavors framed and extended by brisk acidity. This offers terrific fruit intensity and persistence.

Etude Winery 2000 Merlot

Bright medium ruby. Lively, primary aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, menthol and spices. Quite stylish and bright in the mouth; less deep and stuffed than the '99 but finer. Tannins are suave. This includes 20% cabernet franc today, but Soter noted that the final blend may yet be tweaked.