I’m not a fan of the California wine makers who try to make every red grape they produce into an in-your-face, high alchohol, meaty, power-hungry Cabernet Sauvignon. And I find it particularly off-putting when they do this to Pinot Noir, which is such a delicate varietal.
That being noted, this Pinot from Etude is perhaps the one exception. First things first, do not buy this wine if you are hoping to drink what is supposed to be a Pinot Noir. It is much more full-bodied and lucious than a Pinot, but it stops before over-reaching into Cabernet territory. It has a spicy earthiness that tastes more like a Zinfandel to me, but maintains its softness like a Pinot should.
I am quite partial to the wines of Santa Barbara, so I’m not surprised that this Pinot in disguise hits the mark for me. Overall verdict = impressive.
- Rating: Impressive
- Name: Lyric 2012 Pinot Noir
- Winery: Etude
- Region: Santa Barbara
- Country: USA
- Varietals: Pinot Noir
- Price: $14-$20
- Where to Buy: N/A
I received this estate-bottled wine as a gift. The vineyard is in the family of a work colleague. I’m not a big chardonnay fan, but have to admit this was a nice, balanced wine. The nose has interesting notes of pineapple and vanilla with a faint slate mineral note. A straw color typical of the varietal, the wine was quite balanced in spite of that initial pineapple cake advertisement. I’m not sure how much this goes for by the bottle or where to find it, but I’d say a chardonnay lover should be willing to spring for it at $45 and below.
60% Syrah 35% Grenache 5% Viognier. Simply a gorgeous wine. I was a bit apprehensive that it may not have traveled well from the August 2014 trip through Santa Ynez, but was reminded why I bought it with the first sip. I opened this with friends over some P’tit Basque cheese and marinated steak and it actually went better than the Cab. Juicy and luscious, with a spacious quality that I’m guessing is caused by the white varietal being added to the two reds. Berries, pencil tip, black and white pepper, pomegranate, and seasoned wood (and I don’t mean from barrels, I mean like an old barn). Highly recommend. Available from 
Crisp nose of flint and minerals, faint rubber and grass. Hits the tongue with great acid and the mouth-feel of slippery honey. Does not overpower the palate with fruit; you know you’re drinking a wine (not eating a fruit basket) and one that’s lovely and rewarding. Flavors of stone, greens, citrus, and untanned leather.
Posto Novo 