Review: Etude 2021 Pinot Gris and 2020 Pinot Noir
Two wines from Etude, which crafts bottlings from all over California — but particularly Napa Valley. These two expressions are current releases, both from Carneros, sandwiched between Sonoma and Napa.
2021 Etude Pinot Gris Carneros – Etude’s pinot gris invariably offers a floral-heavy, slightly austere experience, and this 2021 bottling is no exception. White flowers and orange blossom honey combine with grated lemon peel. A slight maple element and some vanilla cream add a bit of sweetness, though there’s a reasonable level of acidity to keep things in check. This hasn’t changed dramatically from the 2020 expression — remember, 2021 is the current vintage as of 2024 — but it’s slightly elevated with a better balance showing this year. A- / $32
2020 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros – A hearty and dark expression of pinot noir — you’d never guess it was pinot at all from the intensity of the color. Black fruits dominate on nose and palate, with lacings of licorice and some charred wood emerging. A little clove and dried fig come along, finishing with a reprise of anise. It’s not pinot as I know it, but not unlikeable in its own, dense way. B+ / $47
2020 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros
$47
