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2021 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

August 17, 2025 - $26

Estimate

RATINGS

96James Suckling

...really savory with bay leaves, lightly grilled meat and violets. So complex. Full-bodied with fine yet chewy tannins that are layered and beautiful. Some basalt and white pepper undertones. Lovely soft and powdery tannins. Medium body at the end. Thoughtful wine.

92Wine Spectator

...mulberry and boysenberry puree notes glistening with hints of anise, sous-bois and red tea. The restrained toast on the finish lets the fruit play out nicely.

92Vinous / IWC

Wild cherry, game, incense, leather, licorice, tobacco and dried herbs build nicely. Powerful and driving in feel...possesses notable intensity and plenty of savory character...

91The Wine Advocate

Pretty rose petal and cherry notes appear on the nose...medium-bodied, silky and fresh, with terrific energy and intensity...flavorful and broadly appealing.

PRODUCER

Etude

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.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Carneros

Carneros AVA, also known as Los Carneros, is at the southern end of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys at the top of the San Francisco Bay. The 8,000 vineyard acres are mostly planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which thrive in the district’s cool, marine climate. Carneros became an AVA in 1983 and it has attracted foreign wine companies along with local producers. It has been especially appealing to European producers of sparkling wines including the giant Spanish cava producers Codorniu and Frexinet, and the French Champagne house Taittinger. Codorniu in Carneros is called Artesa, and Frexinet’s Carneros brand is Gloria Ferrer. Taittinger calls its Carneros winery Domaine Carneros. The European producers also make still wines in Carneros.

TYPE

Red Wine, 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.

VINTAGE

2021 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir