Viniou Reviews
Etude’s 2017 “Cuvée Temblor Vineyard” from the Los Carneros AVA is a striking red wine that reflects both the personality of its vineyard site and the meticulous winemaking techniques favored by the estate. Crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir, which thrives in the relatively cool climate of Carneros, this wine embodies the balance and elegance that have made the region renowned among lovers of artisanal Californian reds. The 2017 vintage benefited from a temperate growing season, allowing for ripe fruit development while retaining fresh acidity. Vinification at Etude emphasizes minimal intervention: carefully hand-harvested grapes, gentle extraction, and aging in a thoughtfully chosen regimen of French oak. The result is a wine with bright cherry and raspberry notes framed by subtle hints of baking spices, earth, and a delicate touch of oak. The palate combines silkiness with vibrancy, showing a refined structure and a lingering, savory finish.
Los Carneros straddles both Napa and Sonoma counties, making it unique among California’s AVAs. The region is strongly influenced by maritime breezes and fogs rolling in from nearby San Pablo Bay, which temper the warmth of the Californian sun and extend the growing season—conditions ideal for delicate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The soils, composed of shallow clay and loam with rare outcrops of rock, provide good drainage and further concentrate the flavors in the grapes. Carneros has a winemaking tradition going back over half a century, and its reputation for elegant, terroir-driven wines continues to grow.
For ideal food pairings, this 2017 Pinot Noir shines alongside dishes that echo its finesse and subtlety. Try it with roasted duck breast accompanied by a cherry reduction, seared salmon, or a mushroom risotto. Regional Californian specialties like grilled quail or pork tenderloin with wild herbs are also excellent companions. Aging Gouda or Brie de Meaux play up the wine’s earthy undertones.
This wine is best served slightly chilled, between 14-16°C, to highlight its aromatic complexity and supple texture. Decanting for around thirty minutes can further open up its bouquet, especially if enjoyed in its youth. This is a beautiful example of Carneros pedigree—expressive, precise, and full of place.
