Merry Edwards Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, United States

Vintage:2021 (Past)

2022 (Current)

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Merry Edwards Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021
  • VP 96
  • TP 93
  • JS 93
  • WE 92
  • V 91
  • WS 91

Reviews

Vinous Media 91 Points June 2024, Antonio Galloni

“The 2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is packed with black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, mocha, cola, new leather and spice. This exuberant, flashy Pinot bristles with Russian River intensity. It will drink well right out of the gate.”

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points, Best of Year December 2023, Jim Gordon

“Dense and structured, this robust wine offers more than the usual tannins and acidity, giving it a grippy mouthfeel and the potential to mellow with time. Black cherries, black currants and woodsy spices are there, waiting to develop.”

JamesSuckling.com 93 Points November 23, 2023, James Suckling

“Lots of focused tannins and dark fruits such as cherries and strawberries. Hibiscus. Very clear and precise. Full to medium body. Very fine and clean tannins. Orange peel. Linear and racy finish.”

Wine Spectator 91 Points September 30, 2023, James Molesworth

“Sports vivid, punchy boysenberry and mulberry fruit, along with a burst of hibiscus throughout, all framed by a sleek, toasty edge that holds sway through the finish. Shows focus and energy, just needs time for the fruit to push through the authoritative wood treatment. Best from 2024 through 2030.”

The Tasting Panel Magazine 93 Points September 2023, Meridith May

“Aged nine months in (47% new) French oak and whole berry fermented, this red dispenses aromas of crushed violets, incense, wet stone, and boysenberry. Prickly white pepper perks up notes of plum and mocha. There’s a “calmness” on mid-palate with a hint of orange rind, soy sauce, and brushy, dried wildflowers.”

VinePair 96 Points March 20, 2023, Keith Beavers

“Merry Edwards has been making Pinot Noir in Sonoma for many years. She has been a beacon of quality and complexity and influenced many winemakers after her. This bottle is a perfect representation of how this winery rolls. It is deep, soft, and heavy while at the same time supple, elegant, and structured. The nose is heady and welcoming with earthy cherry notes. The palate is the gem here. It has a beautiful subtle weight with just the right amount of depth and acidity. The balance of this wine is wonderful. A classic Russian River Pinot Noir.”

Overview

Merry Edwards Winery was founded in 1997 and produces terroir-driven, single-vineyard wines from 80 acres of estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The winery is known for crafting Pinot Noirs of immense depth, elegant structure and exceptional longevity as well as its aromatic, barrel-aged Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, which is among the most sought after made in California. A single-vineyard Chardonnay and Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc round out the portfolio.

When assembling our Russian River Valley blend, we have the great advantage of choosing from a diverse array of vineyard sites. Since our estate vineyards, from which we make our vineyard-designate wines, dot the Russian River appellation, we are able to choose lots that highlight the best characteristics of our valley. Grapes from the Santa Rosa Plain bring a classic cherry aroma and round mouthfeel. Sebastopol Hills vineyards provide enticing perfume and bright acidity. Laguna Ridge fruit contributes dark berries with rich tannins. We bring all of these elements together to produce a wine that showcases our world-class appellation.

Winemaking

Fully destemmed, berries are cold-soaked for five days. The 2021 vintage aged in 47% new French oak for nine months, allowing the wine time to rest on the lees, gaining depth and mouthfeel. This regime has led to a Pinot Noir of great balance, foretelling of a long life ahead.

Clones: UCD 37, Dijon 115, 667, 777, and Pommard. 

Tasting Notes

The aromas on the nose are red-fruit driven, featuring ripe raspberries and fresh strawberries with a pretty hint of vanilla. On entry, this wine is bright and buoyed by refreshing acidity, and a persistent core of tannins brings elegant texture. Hints of yellow fruit skin and gravel give way to a slightly spicy finish highlighted by notes of blood orange and cherry cola.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Wine Alcohol: 14.5%

Bottling Date: August 4, 2022

New Oak: 47% new French oak

Aging: Aged sur lie 9 months