Description
Etude Chardonnay Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros Estate — Napa Valley 2022
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
- Vintage: 2022
- Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley
- Vineyard: Grace Benoist Ranch — Carneros Estate
- Varietal: Chardonnay
- Clones: Heritage clones including Wente selection
- Production: 145 cases — micro-production
- Style: Full, powerful, Burgundian-inspired Carneros Chardonnay
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Dried grape skin, beeswax, cooked apple, subtle wood, focused and precise, long structured finish
- Drink Window: Now–2030+
- Best Paired With: Lobster, crab, roast chicken, veal, creamy pasta, aged Gruyère
One of California’s most extraordinary Chardonnays — Etude Grace Benoist Ranch 2022 is 97 points and 145 cases of pure Carneros magic.
