Merry Edwards Winery Olivet Lane Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, United States

Vintage:2021 (Current)

2017 (Past) | 2018 (Past) | 2022 (Current)

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Merry Edwards Winery Olivet Lane Pinot Noir 2021
  • WE 96
  • V 94
  • WS 92

Reviews

Vinous Media 94 Points June 2024, Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane is a classic wine from this part of the Russian River Valley. Crushed flowers, spice, mocha and red-toned fruit are all amplified. The 2021 offers tons of textural intensity while also retaining an element of translucence that is quite attractive.

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points, #22 Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2024 November 2023, Jim Gordon

Almost irresistible for its lavish spices and rich fruits, this deep and expansive wine is memorably flavorful and complex. Cinnamon, cedar, cloves and balsam complement vibrant red cherries, rich black cherries and mulled plums as a full body and moderate tannins give it significant heft in the texture

Wine Spectator 92 Points September 30, 2023, James Molesworth

Juicy and open-knit, this friendly style leads with plum compote and cherry preserves, backed by hints of anise and hibiscus on the finish. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2029.

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.

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!

Tasting Notes

This is classic Olivet Lane, with aromas of cherries, violets and fresh strawberries along with subtle earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom. The entry is round and lush, balanced on the palate—overall a well-structured wine supported by oak. A dusting of pretty brown spice and a hint of cream soda linger on the finish. Given some time in the bottle, this elegant and engaging wine will continue to develop for years to come.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir (Martini Clone)

Wine Alcohol: 14%

Harvest Start Date: September 28, 2021

Bottling Date: August 4, 2022

Acres: 60 acres; 22 planted to Pinot Noir acres

Soil Composition: Gravelly clay loam

Average Vine Age: Planted in 1975

New Oak: 83% for 9 months