2020 Heirloom Pinot Noir

Etude’s Heirloom Pinot Noir, produced from several heirloom selections of the variety, is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of plant diversity. It exemplifies the singular, superior wines – unusually expressive, concentrated and pure – that issue from original varieties or vine selections chosen for the inherent wine quality they produce. Grown on the Etude Estate Vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch, the grapes for our Heirloom Pinot Noir come from shy-bearing selections that produce small bunches and even smaller berries. Although some may overlook these vines due to their extremely low yields, we prize their ability to produce wines that are both expressive of their genetic origins as well as providing a unique flavor profile, which exemplifies the varied site and diversity of soils on which they’re grown.

The grapes were handpicked at night to preserve freshness and acidity. They were placed in open-top fermenters for three to five days of cold maceration followed by fermentation. About 20 percent of the fruit was kept whole cluster to preserve buoyant fruit aromatics and to add structure and refinement. Punch downs were performed during the early stages of fermentation with extraction becoming gentler as the wine became dry. An extended maceration followed to increase richness and mouthfeel. The wine was lightly pressed into French oak barrels (25% new) where it rested for 14 months, bottled with no fining or filtration.