2017 Etude Yamhela Vineyard Pinot Noir

Etude Wines was founded in 1982 by Tony and Michelle Soter. The winery and its vineyards are in the Carneros appellation of California’s Napa Valley. Tony Soter was the winemaker at Spottswoode, Araujo, Niebaum-Coppola, Dalle Valle and Moraga before giving up his consulting career to concentrate on his own venture. Today Etude produces Pinot Noir from Carneros region grapes, and Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown farther north in Napa Valley. Etude also makes Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and a few other white wines.

Yamhill-Carlton AVA is located in Yamhill and Washington Counties, and it is entirely contained within the Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon’s most prestigious wine producing region. It has 1,200 vineyard acres and was awarded AVA status in 2004. The region grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Muscat, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Ken Wright Cellars, Elk Cove Vineyards and WillaKenzie Estate are among the district’s best-known producers. All focus on Pinot Noir.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.