A legend of early Sonoma winemaking, Merry Edwards helped blaze a path for Sonoma Pinot Noir decades ago. Over the years, they’ve never lost their stride, keeping the classics going while experimenting with new blends and vineyards.
Since taking over winemaking four years ago upon Merry’s retirement, winemaker Heidi Von Der Mehden and her team have kept the ship running smoothly since then. I really enjoyed some of the 2021 Pinot Noirs last year, and also had a great time visiting the winery again in the Spring.
So, I was excited to taste another lineup of new releases, including a few more 2021s, another great Olivet Lane Chardonnay, and the new vintage of the iconic Sauvignon Blanc. Across-the-board, the wines are great – which are the at the top of this lineup just depends on your stylistic preferences. And while I wouldn’t describe these wines as inexpensive, the quality you get for your dollar here is very impressive. Also, if you haven’t tried aging some of Merry Edwards’ wines, it is worth it. I’ve had a 10-year-old Sauvignon before, and it was stellar. And years in the cellar coaxes out all sorts of savory nuances and elegant flourishes in the Pinot Noirs.
These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.
2021 Merry Edwards Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Medium yellow color. Aromatically, this sings clearly with bright tones of quince, lemon, and crunchy apricot, and I also get an infusion of saline, chalk dust, white tea, some almond skin – delightful. The palate is racy and focused, balanced with a creamy texture, and bright with fruit (apricot, papaya, drizzled with lime). The fruit is backed up with complex notes of almond, hay, honey, some chalk dusty, with a salty mineral kick that lingers long on the finish. A delightful example of a classic Chardonnay vineyard – worth stashing a few in the cellar for sure, as this will improve wonderfully. Aged nine months on the lees in 47% new French oak. (94 points)
2022 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $50
Light golden color. The nose is peachy keen with cantaloupe, lime, kiwi, and papaya, backed up with spicy white pepper, sliced jalapeno, with some almond skin, honey, and candle wax – a lot to dig into. The palate is plush but taut with a spritely appeal and flavors of papaya, yellow apples, kiwi, lemon slices. There’s a brisk infusion of minerals, chalk dust, and mountain stream, with some white pepper and dandelion and deeper tones of honey, white tea, and hay. Complex, vibrant, racy, this is a perennial winner, and another great vintage. Aged five months on the lees in 18% new French oak. (94 points)
2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Bright ruby color. The aromas are lively and fresh with strawberries and red currants, along with saucier notes of cranberry relish, and notes of spiced rhubarb pie, white pepper, rose petals. The palate sings with crisp acidity and the tannins show smooth edges, supporting the tangy, juicy fruit (strawberries, wild raspberries, red cherries). There’s a lot of nuance and cool elements and textures, with herbal tea, clay, rhubarb, pepper, a variety of green herbs and anise. Delightful balance and overall vibe, a great introduction to Merry Edwards’ Pinot and a solid value. Aged nine months in 47% new French oak. (93 points)
2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Meredith Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $90
Light purple color. A deep but inviting aromatic display of black cherries, strawberry jam, red plums, with rhubarb pie, clove, nuanced cola, warm clay, violet petals. The palate shows a lush texture with suave tannins and fresh acidity, giving the wine a deep but racy feel with flavors of black cherries, plum sauce, and tangy strawberries. The non-fruit complexities abound (rhubarb, spiced tea, violets and roses, white pepper, coffee grounds). Expressive already, bright and elegant right out of the gate, but this also has the stuffing for the cellar. Aged nine months in 55% new French oak. (94 points)
2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Richaven - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $80
Deep ruby color. Beautiful aromas of tangy red and black currants, raspberry jam, fresh strawberries, with an interesting mix of white pepper, eucalyptus, mint, some clove and leather – air brings all sorts of cool nuances. Racy acidity frames this wine well, with structured but smooth tannins, such poise and balance in this wine. Tangy red plums, juicy black cherries, jammy raspberries, with all sorts of floral potpourri, mint, eucalyptus, some menthol, roasted chestnut. Love the complexity of flavors and the balance and focus. Polished already but another one I’d like to taste again in five years. A newer addition to the lineup, this vineyard near the Meredith Estate was planted in 2015. Wow, does it show promise. Aged nine months in 50% new French oak. (94 points)
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