2016 Etude Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The nose promises much, but is very subtle and enticing at the moment, offering lavender, blackberries, orange peel and rose petals. Medium to full body, fine-grained yet cutting tannins and a umami-flavored, medium-chewy finish. Drink now or hold.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard is a powerful, explosive wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and blood orange give the Fiddlestix terrific energy and brightness. Pinots from this Sta. Rita Hills site can be a touch gamy, but I don't really see that here, at least not yet. Bright acids perk up the fruit nicely in this energetic Pinot from Etude.
Aged in 25% new French oak for 12 months, the medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard sings of red and purple flowers—violets, roses and lavender—over a core of kirsch, fresh raspberries and tilled soil. Medium-bodied with great vibrancy and a soft, fine-grained texture, it finishes long and perfumed. 2,800 cases produced.