2018 Etude Pinot Noir North Canyon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Lots of blueberry and ripe-strawberry aromas with light burnt lemons. Full-bodied and tight with chewy tannins that are polished and pretty. Itâs long and driven with plenty going on. This is a precise and focused red. Try after 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Pinot Noir North Canyon Vineyard is gorgeous. Crushed red berries, rose petal, dried flowers, spice, blood orange and earthy notes are all laced together in this super-expressive, resonant Pinot from Etude. This is a terrific expression of Santa Maria.
Coming from Santa Maria Valley, the 2018 Pinot Noir North Canyon Vineyard is produced from mid-1990s plantings. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak, 25% new. Medium ruby-purple colored, the nose opens with a delicately scented perfume of Bing cherries, redcurrants and raspberry leaves with touches of lavender, stewed black tea and bouquet garni. The medium-bodied palate has impressive restraint, slowly releasing red berry and savory flavors with compelling freshness, finishing with satiny textured, soft-spoken floral and herbal notes. 4,000 cases were made.