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.

The Olivet Lane Vineyard, planted in 1975, is considered to be a Russian River Valley gem that still consistently produces stellar wines. After many years of working in the vineyards with her father, Robert, second-generation Alexia Pellegrini is now at the helm, taking great care to ensure that quality fruit production will continue into the future.

Grapes for this bottling were harvested on Sept. 17, 2022. The Chardonnay was handpicked and hand sorted in the field and at the winery. Berries were 100% whole-cluster pressed and 100% barrel fermented. After fermentation finished, the wine was aged sur lie nine months in 44% new French oak barrels. Bottling was done on Aug. 2, 2023.

The pretty and perfumed nose on the 2022 vintage features floral notes of citrus blossom, honeysuckle and jasmine, as well as white peach, caramelized pineapple and a subtle background note of roasted almonds. The entry is clean and focused, with bright acidity on the palate. Yellow stone fruit and ripe tropical fruit persist through the long finish.

Sunny days early in the 2022 growing season in Sonoma County led to an early budbreak that began in February. A cold, hard frost that followed threatened the young buds, but proper frost protection limited the damage. The remainder of the spring and summer were quite mild, allowing for steady development and ripening. Harvest began early because of the early budbreak. Warm days in the second half of August and into September allowed the grapes to fully ripen. Yields were lighter than average. Fruit quality was stellar, with smaller berry and cluster sizes, leading to concentrated and flavorful wines.

Dungeness crab dip makes a sumptuous appetizer pairing with this rich Chardonnay.