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2019 Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir

2019 Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir

Yamhill-Carlton750ml 13.3

Pinot Noir expresses the place it was grown to a degree that no other wine grape can. The varietal offers a delicate transparency that when pursued right, effortlessly reveals its origins. Aft...

Pinot Noir expresses the place it was grown to a degree that no other wine grape can. The varietal offers a delicate transparency that when pursued right, effortlessly reveals its origins. After 30 years of crafting Pinot Noir in Napa’s Los Carneros, Etude continues its study of this captivating varietal and its varying expressions in one of the New World’s most renowned Pinot growing regions.

  • Alcohol 14%
  • Vintage 2019
$70.00
$70.00

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Specifications

  • Vintage: 2019
  • Region: Oregon
  • Appelation: Yamhill-Carlton
  • ABV: 13.3
  • Varietal: Pinot Noir
  • pH: 3.66

Tasting Notes

An elegant and graceful expression of Oregon Pinot Noir, with fine tannins, and a beautiful bouquet of red fruit expression. On the nose and palate, there are layers of bright Bing cherry and macerated strawberry, alongside notes of pomegranate and tangerine. Secondary notes of black tea and chaparral herbs compliment the juicy, mouthwatering acidity, finishing with freshness, focus, and lift. Subtle mineral notes of wet stone, forest floor and earth underscore and support the fruit, creating a beautiful complexity, with a lithe and rich texture, all leading to a long, savory, direct finish.

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Expert reviews

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“Produced in California from Oregon fruit, the 2019 Pinot Noir Yamhela Vineyard features delicate notes of cherries, rose petals and hints of orange zest. Medium-bodied, it boasts ample concentration and an easy, silky feel.” - Joe Czerwinski, June 2022

The Vineyard

GRACE BENOIST RANCH

In the northwest corner of Willamette Valley, low ridges create an AVA centered around the hamlets of Carlton and Yamhill in a distinct horseshoe shape. Home to some of Oregon’s most renowned Pinot Noir vineyards, the Yamhill-Carlton District is known for its course-grained marine sedimentary soils that are among the oldest in Willamette Valley. The appellation is situated on hillsides between 200 and 1,000 feet in elevation, and the Yamhela Vineyard, established in 2007, is located at a sweet spot with blocks from 220-630 feet above sea level. This specific site is low enough to allow for ideal ripening and receives more sunshine than the rest of the region, which is often under a rain shadow established by the looming Coast Range to the west. The specific soil combined with the location encourages early ripening of Pinot Noir, which is particularly important in this region.

Process

The 2019 vintage

  • Winter

    The 2019 harvest started one to two weeks later than previous years, mostly due to February rains, but because the vines were in their winter dormancy, it did not affect the 2019 crop.

  • Spring

    Spring continued to be wet with some rain during flowering, followed by cool temperatures that allowed the grapes to mature gradually.

  • Summer

    Most grapes ripened at lower sugars, thanks to the extended, cool growing season, and winemakers were pleased with the full flavors, fresh acidity and superb balance of the 2019 fruit.

  • Harvest

    Wildfires in October did not impact this year’s harvest as the vast majority of the grapes were already brought in, resulting in a crop size pretty much on par with previous years.

Crafted Excellence

Winemaking

Crafted with the same minimal winemaking techniques as Etude’s celebrated Carneros Pinot Noirs, this Oregon wine purely reflects the unique essence and character of the Yamhela vineyard while maintaining Etude’s hallmarks of aromatic intrigue, vibrancy of expression and depth in ageability.