1996 Etude Pinot Noir Heirloom

The finest Pinot Noir I have yet tasted from Etude is the 1996 Heirloom, a 275-case lot of the best barrels (in this vintage, a selection of 12 separate barrels). Bottled with no fining or filtration, this dark, saturated ruby-colored offering reveals knock-out aromatics of smoke, pain grille, and black fruits. The wine's texture is rich, multi-layered, and plush. There is real depth in the mid-palate, and the finish is long, round, and generous. I should note that Tony Soter has a vineyard in Oregon's Willamette Valley, so readers can look forward to what should be some superlative Pinot Noirs starting with the 1998 vintage. Tony Soter, one of California's finest and most influential wine consultants, has an impressive portfolio of new offerings. Tel. (707) 257-5300; Fax (707) 257-6022