Merry Edwards’ wines likely need no introduction. The reputation of this winery is hard-earned and well-deserved. And I’m always excited to taste new releases from this Sonoma producer.
Year-in, year-out, the wines deliver, and the style and quality have remained remarkably consistent. On cold nights like the ones we’ve been having in the Mid-Atlantic, a Merry Edwards Pinot Noir is always a great call. From years of introducing friends and family to these wines, I can confirm they are universally loved.
I recently tasted through the 2019s, and — wow. A very solid growing season led to beautiful wines in the glass, deep but fresh, and the balance and staying power is there. I can’t wait to taste more 2019 Sonoma Pinots and see how they improve in the cellar.
These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.
2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $54
Bright ruby color. So fresh and bright with strawberries and cherries, along with rose petals, white pepper and rhubarb. Crisp and fresh, lovely texture, slightly chewy but really fresh. Juicy strawberries and red cherries mix with tones of rhubarb, pepper, along with rose petals, nutmeg and bay leaf. Fun and fresh but complex, too. A great intro to the producer’s style. (92 points)
2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Bucher – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $63
Deep ruby color. So fresh and bright on the nose, with strawberries and cranberry relish, backed up by enticing pepper, violets, bay leaf, tobacco – a lot to unpack. Pure and racy on the palate, a full but fresh appeal with bright raspberries and cherries. Notes of mint, rose petal, cola and anise add complexity, while stony, clay, earthy elements offer a lot to ponder. Is it enjoyable now? Massively, but give it five or eight years and I’d love to see what this turns into. The fourth vintage of this wine, which has been overseen my winemaker Heidi von der Mehden since she took over. (94 points)
2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Warrens’ Hill – USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley
SRP: $70
Deep ruby color. Juicy plums and raspberries and cherries on the nose, airy but deep, laced with cola, rhubarb, rose petals, and lot of earthy, herbal and spice rub tones – exquisite to sniff. Vibrant acidity and suave tannins, wonderfully balanced, this is full but fresh with tangy strawberry and juicy black cherry fruit. There’s an underlying stony, mineral essence and an airy, floral quality throughout. Complex notes of earth, spice, pepper, red flowers, mint. Give this air and time, but it’s beautiful. (94 points)
2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Meredith Estate – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $80
Bright purple color. The nose shows juicy black cherries and tangy strawberries, along with a complex mix of rose petals, tilled soil, black pepper, along with meaty, spicy tones that offer a lot to contemplate. Full but suave on the palate with fresh acidity and smooth, dusty tannins that show accessibility but age-worthiness as well. The red plum and strawberry fruit is fresh and delightful. The savory, earthy, floral tones are great (pepper, oregano, rose petals). A pretty, balanced, mineral-laden wine that will age wonderfully. The flagship bottling, made from the first vines Merry every owned, this is gorgeous. (95 points)
2019 Merry Edwards Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $68
Light yellow color. Beautiful, vibrant nose of lemon, orange peels, papaya, along with honey, shaved ginger, nougat – a wonderful balance. On the palate, there’s this waxy but salty combination of deliciousness. Lemon curd, papaya, pineapple, laced with salted almond, honey, bread crumbs, lemon verbena and pecans. The complexity of floral, honeyed and brisk tones is really something. A lovely interpretation of this famous Chardonnay. (93 points)
