The epitome of cool-climate viticulture, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is subject to variances of weather and best known for the equally finicky varietal: Pinot Noir. Home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards, Willamette Valley ranges 100 miles north to south following the Willamette River and spans 60 miles at its widest point. The region is protected from Pacific storms on the west by the Coast Range, and the Cascade Mountains on the east separate Willamette’s maritime climate from the dry heat of eastern Oregon.
“Brightness and purity to this wine with strawberry, bark and light-mushroom aromas and flavors. Medium body with fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Really attractive now, but better in 2022.” - James Suckling, August 2021
“Aged for 14 months in French oak, 25% new, the 2018 Pinot Noir Yamhela Vineyard (made from Pommard and 115 clones) leaps from the glass with a very fruity nose of fresh raspberries, pomegranate and redcurrant jelly plus suggestions of bouquet garni, underbrush and cracked black pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a good, firm texture of ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, nicely supporting the bright, well-defined red berry flavors, finishing with a lively herbal lift. 643 cases were made.” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
An elegant and graceful expression of Oregon Pinot Noir, with polished finely textured tannins, and a cornucopia of red fruit intensity. On the nose and palate, you find vibrant Bing cherry and red currants, combining with red raspberry and pomegranate. Secondary notes of black tea, cigar leaf and dried herbs offset the juicy, mouthwatering acidity, finishing with a freshness and lift, leading to a lingering, long, savory finish.
The Yamhill-Carlton District of Willamette Valley experienced an almost return to normal vintage in 2018. The spring and summer were some of the warmest and driest on record, but with no heat spikes recorded, the season increased in length due to the cool autumn weather. That allowed grapes to hang and develop complex flavors on the vine, while retaining freshness and acidity. The characteristic of the vintage is rich Pinot Noir fruit, with fully developed flavors, and a richness of tannins that gave structure to the wines.
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 regarded 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.
Crafted with the same minimal winemaking techniques as Etude’s celebrated Carneros Pinot Noirs, each regional wine purely reflects the unique essence and character of its regional vineyard and still maintains Etude’s hallmarks of aromatic intrigue, vibrancy of expression and depth in ageability.
For more than a decade Jon has fashioned Etude wines with a simple creed. Inspired winegrowing diminishes the need for a winemaker to intervene in the cellar. Whether sourcing from the estate Grace Benoist Ranch in Sonoma's Los Carneros, or vineyards like Fiddlestix and North Canyon in famed growing regions of California's Central Coast, his focus is on coaxing the very best from the vineyard. It shows in every glass of Etude.
Alcohol % | 14.1% |
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Enclosure Type | Cork |
Blend | 100% Pinot Noir |
To create a better experience for you across all of our brands, we’ll check this info with accounts across the Treasury Wine Estates Portfolio of brands: Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyard, Etude, Hewitt Vineyard, Stags' Leap Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Penfolds, and The Wine Shop.
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