93 POINTS
  • A bottle of Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros Pinot Blanc
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2023 Carneros Pinot Blanc

2023 Carneros Pinot Blanc

Etude believes winemaking begins in the vineyard long before harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines with authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of where they are g...

Etude believes winemaking begins in the vineyard long before harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines with authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of where they are grown and produced.

Carneros750ml 12.9
$40.00
$40.00

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Specifications

  • Vintage: 2023
  • Region: Sonoma County
  • Appelation: Carneros
  • ABV: 12.9
  • Varietal: Pinot Blanc
  • pH: 3.25

Tasting Notes

This wine displays a beautiful pale straw color and opens with aromas of crisp Golden Delicious apple, ripe Bartlett pear, and the subtle sweetness of almond blossom, complemented by a hint of wet stone minerality. The influence of barrel fermentation is evident, lending a round, unctuous mouthfeel. The palate mirrors the nose, with additional notes of ripe nectarine and sliced pluot. A bright, lifted acidity carries the wine, leading to a persistent, long finish. This is a mouthwatering and delightful wine that promises to evolve and develop greater complexity with time.

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Expert reviews

93 POINTS

“Layers of Asian pears, lemon curd and lime blossoms on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with laser-like acidity and a creamy texture, giving flavors of grapefruit, green melon and river stones. Refined and polished, with underlying tension and power. Drink or hold.” - JamesSuckling.com

Winemaker Jon Priest walking between rows of grapevines in a vineyard.

Grace Benoist Ranch

This distinctive wine is crafted from Pinot Blanc grapes grown on our Estate Vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch. Vines were planted in the year 2000, in well- draining cobbly loam soils. The cooler temperatures here provide for a long and even growing season, allowing fruit to fully mature while still preserving natural acidity. Pinot Blanc tends to be the most vigorous and productive of all the Pinot varieties, but the limiting soils of Grace Benoist Ranch and our lower-yielding vine selections alongside deliberate crop thinning help to moderate cluster size and reduce yield, offering fruit with pure varietal expression. Grace Benoist Ranch is farmed using environmentally sound viticultural practices. The estate is sustainably farmed and certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. As part of our sustainability practices, sheep graze the vineyards in early spring, thinning the winter cover crops without the use of tractors.

Winemaker Jon Priest holding up harvested grapes near stainless steel fermentation tanks.

Crafted Excellence

Winemaking

The grapes for our Carneros Pinot Blanc were handpicked at night to preserve freshness and acidity. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the juice was transferred to neutral French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine was then aged sur lie (on the lees) for 10 months before a very gentle bottling. To showcase the unique terroir of Grace Benoist Ranch and the true expression of the varietal, this wine did not go through malolactic fermentation.