Merry Edwards Winery Olivet Lane Pinot Noir
Sonoma County, United States
Vintage:2022 (Current)
2017 (Past) | 2018 (Past) | 2021 (Current) |
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Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
This bursts with juicy, bramble-laced flavors of boysenberry, cherry and raspberry coulis, while dried hibiscus, red tea and lightly singed anise details emerge on the finish. Offers a toasty frame, but ample energy keeps the fruit center stage. Drink now through 2033.
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
A later ripening site, the fruit for the 2022 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane was picked in mid-September, after the heat spike, but she felt the vines were more resilient due to their age (planted in 1975). The wine pours a ripe ruby/magenta color and is ripe in the glass with notes of kirsch, minty herbs, pine, anise, and dark spice. Aged for 10 months in 83% new French oak barrels, it’s medium-bodied and has an even-keeled and focused structure, with fine tannins and bright acidity. It has good length and is going to age gracefully over the next 10 years.
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!
Winemaking
80% destemmed with whole berries added to the fermenter and cold soaked for nine days. Aged 10 months in 83% new French oak and bottled in August 2023.
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir’s deep purple nose is immediately inviting, featuring fragrant, ripe cherries, blackberries and violets along with complex notes of cedar, cigar box and black tea. The bright, juicy entry is balanced by its plush mouthfeel. On the palate, red fruit and chocolate-covered cherries lead to a savory, slightly spicy finish.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir (Martini Clone)
Wine Alcohol: 14%
Harvest Start Date: September 15, 2022
Bottling Date: August 2, 2023
Acres: 60 acres; 22 planted to Pinot Noir acres
Soil Composition: Gravelly clay loam
Average Vine Age: Planted in 1975
New Oak: 83% for 10 months