2018 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Established in 1982 by founding winemaker Tony Soter, Etude set its sights on the cool-climate Carneros region with a singular focus: producing world-class wines. With a passion for the delicate and transparent nature of Pinot Noir, Soter believed it to be the most appropriate vehicle for studying wine growing. "Pinot Noir is a humbling pursuit," he remarked, "but when it’s right, it is a glorious and moving thing."

In 2000, the Grace Benoist Ranch was developed after an eighteen-year journey to find the most suitable terroir for Etude's Estate vineyards. Here, a remarkable diversity of clonal varieties thrives, including seven Chardonnay clones, nine Heirloom Pinot Noir clones, and eight additional Pinot clones. These meticulously tended vineyard blocks, each with its own unique characteristics, yield fruit of unparalleled quality and concentration.

While rooted in Carneros, Etude explores diverse terroirs beyond California (including some of the best appellations in Napa Valley), sourcing fruit from the Central Coast, Oregon, and even New Zealand.

At Etude, wines are believed to be expressive of their birthplace. That's why the winery is committed to holistic winegrowing practices that respect the native ecosystems and minimize environmental impact. From nurturing the soil to fostering sustainable agriculture, Etude has achieved multiple Sustainable Certifications including: Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming Program, Napa Green Certified Land, Napa Green Certified Winery 

"Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before the harvest and that superior grape growing diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker, resulting in wine that is grown, not made.” - Jon Priest, Etude Winemaker.  

Jon's journey began at the legendary Wine Cask Company in Santa Barbara, where he refined his palate and passion for wine. Over the years, he honed his craft at esteemed wineries such as Wild Horse, Adelaida Cellars, and Taz, before joining Etude in 2005. 

The Etude Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is carefully crafted from grapes grown in unique benchland vineyards that represent the main sub-appellations of Napa Valley. Grapes are sourced from renowned winegrowers across Napa Valley, including Vine Hill Ranch and Gamble Vineyard in Oakville, Bear Flats Vineyard in Calistoga, Morisoli Vineyards in Rutherford, and Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville. By deliberately choosing fruit from these exceptional vineyards, this wine highlights the full range of Cabernet fruit flavors and textures with liveliness and refinement.

2018 was an iconic year for Napa Valley. Wine Spectator blessed this year with 99 points and said it was a "Spectacular year, with wines that are rich and dark, but detailed, restrained in style and very terroir-driven."

Aging: 20 months in 100% French Oak (75% new).