Merry Edwards approaches life with graceful intensity. Now in the fifth decade of her winemaking career, Merry has earned the universal respect of winemaking peers, grape growers and academicians.

At home in the Russian River Valley since 1977, Merry Edwards has explored its hills, pockets, slopes and hollows, discovering small sites where choosing the right rootstock, clone and farming techniques can produce exceptional grapes. This led her in 1996 to purchase land in the Sebastopol Hills region of Russian River Valley.

Merry has been growing this wine with Ted Klopp, and now his daughter Lauren, since the mid-1990s. Their vineyard overlooks the western edge of the Laguna de Santa Rosa in the middle of Russian River Valley. Soils are classic Goldridge, deep and sandy, providing the drainage that is vital to producing wines of such rich and enticing character. The collection of clones planted there — Pommard, Swan, Dijon 115, 667 and 777 — offers up a unique aroma and textural profile. This diverse heritage provides a deep complexity to the blend each year.

“Klopp Ranch gives me small-berry clusters with profuse dark fruit and blackberry aromas along with earthy flavors,” says Merry. “The forward fruit is intense while the lush texture is rich and expansive.”

A deep garnet color portends a wine of depth and richness. We are not disappointed, as this vintage has given us a classic Klopp Ranch — luxuriant with black raspberry, brambleberry, berry compote, blackberry pie and very ripe Bing cherry. The aroma expands with hints of lavender, cassis and toasted brioche. Earthy notes reminiscent of mushrooms sprouting on a forest floor, along with smoky bacon, add highlights. The palate is bright on entry with inviting dark fruit, cocoa and cola. Tannins are firm but round and rich while the finish shows off black pepper and dark cherry. Good acid balance keeps the wine lively and foretells a long future for this Pinot.

Pairs beautifully with garden fresh vegetables for a savory Fall stew. Yukon gold potatoes and Nantes carrots add intense flavor. The “stew” meat can be upgraded to a flat iron steak — the tenderness is totally worth it! Serve with a green salad and crusty French bread as a hearty meal to enjoy with the Klopp Ranch Pinot.