2007 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

The finest wine of this trio is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, but unfortunately it is also the tiniest production. Copious notes of lead pencil shavings, licorice, blackberries, cassis, sweet herbs and Christmas fruitcake dominate this dense ruby/purple-colored 2007. Full-bodied and intense with moderately high tannins as well as a long finish, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades or more. Tony Soter has sold Etude to the Beringer Group and is now ensconced in Oregon’s Willamette Valley where he is turning out a bevy of beautiful wines. (His rose sparkling wine from there is exquisite.) He still consults for these projects. Etude’s Pinot Noirs tend to spend 12-14 months in French oak according to the vintage and the quality of the fruit. Etude’s three 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons showcase the generic Napa appellations and single AVAs such as Rutherford and Oakville. Tel. (707) 257-5300; Fax (707) 257-6022