2016 Etude Heirloom Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.55, 597 cases, $95. Estate grown. This wine is produced from nine shy-bearing, heirloom selections of Pinot Noir that produce small bunches and even smaller berries. 3 to 5-day cold soak. 20% whole cluster. Extended maceration. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Gleeful aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, fertile earth and dark rose petal. A wine of class and character, with a discrete concentration of dark red and black cherry flavors framed by an ample tannic backbone. Clearly tastes different and more mysterious than many domestic Pinot Noirs. My only nit is a slight bit of alcoholic warmth on the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed July 20, 2019

Winery: Etude Wines
From article: Recently Tasted California Wines