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.

Located on western benchland of the Santa Rosa Plain, Olivet Lane produces grapes coveted by the finest winemakers in Sonoma County. This heritage property is one of the oldest existing Pinot vineyards in the appellation and has been widely recognized as a prime example of the classic style of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The land has well-drained, gravelly, clay loam soil and a cool Region I climate. The Martini clone of Pinot, selected for this site, is recognized today as uniquely reflecting the classic features of the appellation’s terroir. The winery has produced a single vineyard bottling from Olivet Lane every year since founding the Merry Edwards brand in 1997.

This classically elegant Russian River Pinot Noir hits the mark each vintage, and the 2021 bottling will not disappoint you!

Grapes for this bottling were harvested on Oct. 12, 2023. The Pinot Noir grapes were handpicked and hand sorted in the field and at the winery. Berries were 84% de-stemmed, with 16% whole clusters placed in the fermenter. The fruit was cold soaked for six days, and it was aged eight months in 69% new French oak barrels. Bottling was done on Aug. 6, 2024.

Our 2023 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir shows a distinctively earthy, opulent nose, with aromatics of sweet dried fig, vanilla fudge, Rainier cherry, and toasted almonds. The generous entry introduces bold tannins balanced on the palate by bright acidity.

After many 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 Russian River Valley, with cool nights and coastal fog that came in every evening, barely burning off by noon. The growing season's cooler temperatures led to a delayed and prolonged harvest, so patience was key. The resulting wines are elegant, with mouthwatering acidity and focused aromatics.