Merry Edwards Winery Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley, California, United States
Vintage:2023 (Current)
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Reviews
Wine Spectator 93 Points
This is bright, showing violet and hibiscus notes out front, while slightly high-pitched accents of cherry and pomegranate coulis race along. Opens steadily in the glass, with a finishing kick of fruit on the finish. Drink now through 2031.
Decanter 95 Points
Grapes are de-stemmed and cold-soaked for five days, then aged for eight months in 41% new French oak. Fruit is sourced from Carney Vineyard in Boonville, alongside Dash and Pinole Vineyards in the Deep End of Anderson Valley—three distinct sites that each play a clear role in the blend. Carney brings opulence, Dash contributes earthy nuance, and Pinole delivers darker fruit flavours and texture. The result is a wine that feels notably fresh and fruit-driven, moving away from the heavier, more extracted style that once defined Merry Edwards’ approach. Under the direction of Heidi von der Mehden at Merry Edwards Winery, the wines are becoming brighter and more agile, while retaining that signature silky texture. There is greater clarity to the fruit and spice profile here, aligning more closely with what one might expect from Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Easy-going and charming, it finishes with smoky clove and orange peel notes that linger pleasantly.
JamesSuckling.com 93 Points
Spiced cherries, crushed raspberries and dried cranberries greet the nose with herbal, earthy aromas just underneath. Medium-bodied with tart fruit, cinnamon candy, mint and bay leaves on the palate. Nervy acidity and plums with more spices and dark cherries in the finish.
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.
Merry Edwards Winery has long produced a Russian River Valley appellation blend Pinot Noir that highlights the best characteristics of the AVA. That is also the goal in producing an Anderson Valley appellation blend Pinot Noir.
Winemaking
The grapes for this wine come from 100% estate vineyards located in the warmer Boonville area, from organic sources in Philo and the cool Deep End, making it a true reflection of the primary grape-growing zones of the valley.
Vineyard sources include:
- Carney Ranch: in the warm area near Boonville
- Dach Vineyard: a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard located at Domaine Anderson's winery home in Philo
- Pinoli Vineyard: in the sunny but cool Deep End of the valley where the fruit can hang long and ripen fully
Grapes were hand-picked and hand sorted in the field and at the winery. 100% destemmed with whole berries added to the fermenter and cold soaked for five days. Aged eight months in 41% new French oak and bottled in July 25, 2024.
Tasting Notes
Our 2023 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir features a fresh, vibrant nose with notes of tart red fruit, cinnamon, cranberry compote and forest floor. The soft entry offers mouthfilling acidity with flavors of plum, black cherry, tea and toasty oak before a lingering, earthy finish.
Harvest Notes
After years of drought, we welcomed a full dose of rain in 2023. The rains lasted throughout the spring, providing the vines with plenty of moisture to grow a healthy canopy and full crop load. It also helped to moderate temperatures, keeping frost at bay. The summer was very typical for the Anderson Valley, with cool nights and coastal fog that came in every evening. The growing season's cooler temperatures led to a delayed harvest, so patience was key. The resulting wines are elegant, with mouthwatering acidity and focused aromatics.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Wine Alcohol: 14.5%
Titratable Acidity: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.55
Bottling Date: July 2024
Aging: 8 months in 41% new French oak