2013 Etude Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a great grape with so many different nuances that make it always different and always interesting. Pinot Noir is one of the most genetically unstable grapes around so you’re likely to find great variation in flavors and characteristics from vineyard to vineyard. Sometimes you can even find great variations within a specific block of vineyard. Anyhow, American Pinot Noirs are vastly different from region to region. California Pinot Noirs can show quite a bit more earth than you might find in an Oregon pinot.

The 2013 Etude Pinot Noir does just this. Great notes of strawberry, red cherry and some raspberry shine through along with a healthy dose of California earth. It almost comes across like burned toast, or coffee. On the palate there is a great blend of baking spices and fresh red fruit. This wine is an easy drinker for those of you that want to drink and not think about it. However, there is a great deal of complexity for those that like to muse over such things.

Drink now or cellar it for another 5 years.

Old Major Rating: 8/10