Etude was founded on a single, uncompromising philosophy: winemaking begins in the vineyard, long before harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines of authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of place. The Grace Benoist Ranch is Etude’s most prized Chardonnay vineyard — a Carneros estate...Show More >
Etude was founded on a single, uncompromising philosophy: winemaking begins in the vineyard, long before harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines of authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of place. The Grace Benoist Ranch is Etude’s most prized Chardonnay vineyard — a Carneros estate site planted with heritage clones including the legendary Wente selection, one of California’s oldest and most revered Chardonnay clones. Carneros sits at the southern tip of Napa Valley, where the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay moderates temperatures and extends the growing season, producing Chardonnay of exceptional focus, complexity, and longevity. This is a micro-production wine — just 145 cases produced — and James Suckling awarded it 97 points, calling it reminiscent of the great white Burgundies of the 1980s and early 1990s. At this price, it is one of the most extraordinary values in California Chardonnay.
The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is complex and captivating: dried grape skin, beeswax, cooked apple, subtle wood, and a clarity and focus that is immediately striking. On the palate, it is full and powerful — rich and concentrated yet always precise, with the structure and depth of a great white Burgundy. The finish is long, layered, and built for the cellar. Drinkable now but will reward 3–4 years of patience — and likely much more.
James Suckling 97 — “Lots of dried grape skin and subtle wood and beeswax aromas with lovely hints of cooked apple, yet it’s always clear and focused. Full and powerful, reminding me of the great white Burgundies of the 1980s and early 1990s. Superb. Only 145 cases.” (Vintage 2022).
Producer: Etude Wines, Carneros, Napa Valley, California
Red Truck 90 Minute Delivery | Wall Street to 103 Street
Prior Vintage Expert Reviews
94 James Suckling
Flinty with lightly dried apple and hints of white blossom and minerals. Medium to full body that sneaks up on your palate, starting off minerally and then finishes with a round texture and the richness of light cream and yoghurt. Lovely layers here. No malolactic.
Producer Notes
From six special acres in the heart of the Grace Benoist Ranch, Etude Estate Chardonnay is truly representative of all that is captivating about Carneros. A delightful expression of Chardonnay, that is elegant and restrained, crafted with the intention to showcase the fruit and terroir, so there is no malolactic fermentation and the lightest touch of oak. Intriguing aromas of white floral blossom, citrus and toast pique interest, while layered flavors of stone-fruit, citrus peel, Golden Delicious apple and Honeydew melon are interwoven together, demonstrating a sinuously savory minerality, a signature from Grace Benoist Ranch. Abundant mouth-watering acidity, balanced with tremendous structure and a soft, round texture all enhance this “whisper of a Chardonnay”, and are hallmarks of the classic signature of this wine each vintage.
newsletter-afc1743d-afa1-4182-a929-1135ecb5eda3
×
67 Wine and 67 Gourmet are separate businesses. Alcohol is sold by 67 Wine, food products are sold by 67 Gourmet.
Alcohol purchases, contact 67 Wine @ 212-724-6767 or email service@67wine.com
Food purchases, contact 67 Gourmet @ 646-767-0071 or email service@67gourmet.com
You must be 21 years or older to enter this website.
