Viniou Reviews
Etude Cuvée Heirloom 2018 from Los Carneros is an elegant red wine that showcases the unique character of this cool-climate AVA on the border of Napa and Sonoma in California. The wine is a blend of select Pinot Noir and, in smaller quantities, other heritage red grape varieties that Etude meticulously cultivates from old vine parcels. The 2018 vintage benefited from a long and temperate growing season with moderate heat spikes, allowing the grapes to achieve superb phenolic ripeness while maintaining vibrant acidity. Fermentation typically takes place in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a careful hand in extraction to preserve fruit purity and subtlety. Aging occurs in a selection of French oak barrels, some new, to add delicate layers of spice and structure.
Los Carneros is celebrated for its rolling hills, fog influence from the San Pablo Bay, and cooler temperatures compared to most other Californian AVAs. Soils here consist largely of shallow clay and loam, which provide excellent drainage and moderate vigor, ideal for the nuanced development of Pinot Noir and related varieties. The region has a storied history as one of California’s premier cool-climate sites, attracting innovative winemakers since the 1970s and yielding wines that are known for their finesse, fragrant aromatics, and lively acidity.
Given its expressive and layered profile, Etude’s Cuvée Heirloom 2018 will shine alongside dishes that reflect both elegance and subtlety. Consider pairing this wine with duck breast dressed in cherry reduction, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or a wild mushroom risotto. Dishes with earthy notes, such as roasted root vegetables, truffle polenta, or even grilled salmon—evoking the coastal cuisine of Northern California—will also complement the wine’s bright acidity and supple, silky tannins.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 15-17°C. Open the bottle a half hour before serving or decant gently to encourage the integration of its aromatic complexity. This wine is approachable now but will reward a few more years of aging for additional depth and harmony.
