Merry Edwards Winery Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, United States

Vintage:2018 (Current)

2017 (Past) |

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Merry Edwards Winery Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
  • V 93
  • WE 92

Reviews

Vinous Media 93 Points May 1, 2021, Antonio Galloni

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Flax Vineyard shows a more red-toned profile than the other Pinots in the range. Cedar, iron, dried herbs, anise and leather add an attractive upper register. This mid-weight, expressive Pinot offers terrific persistence and long, clean finish.”

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points December 31, 2020, Virginie Boone

“This vineyard-designate is tart and rich in crunchy red fruit, the body, which is full and fleshy on the palate, is rendered in an opulent style. Toasted oak and supple tannin add to the weight, breadth and complexity of the wine.”

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 been making Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley since 2005. The property is located on Westside Road in a famed portion of the appellation often referred to as The Miracle Mile for the outstanding grapes that are grown there. The classic Pommard clone selected for planting is a good match for this warmer, northern end of the valley. Flax consistently provides grapes that become classically elegant, food-friendly wines, and the 2018 vintage is no exception.

Tasting Notes

The wine displays beautiful red garnet and purple hues. Layers of vanilla, jasmine, cherry cola and bright blood orange fill the nose. Ripe and concentrated, the mouth has luscious and focused tannins that are layered with cherries, smoky oak notes and a perfect core of acidity to hold the structure throughout a long finish. The aging potential for this wine is unmistakable.

Harvest Notes

The grapes are harvested early, as this is the warmer northern edge of the valley. Pommard is the single clone planted at this site, a most suitable pairing for the terroir.

Food Pairing

Longtime Merry Edwards Winery employee Jill Schlegel was inspired to make her Chicken Liver Mousse after tasting the 2018 Flax Pinot Noir. Food-loving Flax, with its bright floral and citrus fruit notes, focused tannins and juicy acidity, is a perfect foil for this silky, smooth starter. Serve the wine and mousse with slices of crusty sourdough bread along with a selection of cheese and charcuterie for a decadent holiday meal appetizer.

Find this recipe at merryedwards.com.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Acres: 6.9 acres

Soil Composition: Riverwash and Pajaro gravelly loam

Average Vine Age: 17-19 years