Wines Los Carneros, sometimes simply Carneros Etude - Deer Camp Vineyard - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Etude’s 2018 Deer Camp Vineyard cuvée is a fine example of premium Californian Pinot Noir from the renowned Los Carneros AVA. This red wine is crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Deer Camp Vineyard, one of Etude’s signature sites. The 2018 vintage benefited from a long, steady growing season: mild weather allowed grapes to ripen slowly, building vivid aromatics and intricate flavors. The wine is made using meticulous vinification techniques—hand harvesting, cold soaking, gentle pressing, and aging in French oak barrels—to showcase the varietal’s elegant character and highlight the quality of Carneros terroir.

Carneros straddles the southern reaches of Napa and Sonoma, directly influenced by cooling fog and breezes from nearby San Pablo Bay. This unique microclimate, coupled with shallow clay and loam soils, produces Pinot Noirs of clarity and finesse, with a balancing acidity and distinct notes of red and dark fruit, earth, and subtle spice. Carneros has a storied history as one of California’s earliest cool-climate appellations recognized for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, delivering wines that combine Old World elegance with New World vibrancy.

This Pinot Noir’s supple structure and expressive profile make it especially food-friendly. Its delicate tannins and lively acidity pair beautifully with dishes such as roast duck with cherry sauce, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. You could also explore regional Californian fare—like roast quail or artisan cheeses—or classic French cuisine such as coq au vin or herb-crusted lamb. The wine’s balance allows it to shine with both lighter poultry and more savory, earthy plates.

For maximum enjoyment, serve this Etude Deer Camp Vineyard Pinot Noir at 15-17°C. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes can help it reveal its layered aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, violet, and subtle oak spice. Enjoy it over the next 5-8 years to appreciate the evolution of its refined character.