Merry Edwards Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, United States

Vintage:2022 (Current)

2021 (Past) |

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Merry Edwards Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022
  • JD 94
  • WS 92

Reviews

Wine Spectator 92 Points September 30, 2024, James Molesworth

An enticingly ripe version, with a mix of black cherry, raspberry and boysenberry coulis notes joining licorice, bramble and singed apple wood accents. The juicy, engaging finish feels full of life. Drink now through 2032. 

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points June 27, 2024, Audrey Frick

Boasting a rich magenta/ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is classic and very much in the style lovers of this estate have come to expect. It’s ripe with notes of fresh black cherries, scorched earth, violets, and dark forest earth. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with sweet tannins and is generous without feeling heavy. Long on the finish and fully dry. It’s a very well-styled Pinot Noir from this challenging vintage that’s going to drink well over the next 6-8 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.

When assembling our Russian River Valley blend, we have the great advantage of choosing from a diverse array of vineyard sites. Since our estate vineyards, from which we make our vineyard-designate wines, dot the Russian River appellation, we are able to choose lots that highlight the best characteristics of our valley. Grapes from the Santa Rosa Plain bring a classic cherry aroma and round mouthfeel. Sebastopol Hills vineyards provide enticing perfume and bright acidity. Laguna Ridge fruit contributes dark berries with rich tannins. We bring all of these elements together to produce a wine that showcases our world-class appellation.

Winemaking

Fully destemmed, berries are cold-soaked for five days. The 2022 vintage aged in 53% new French oak for 10 months, allowing the wine time to rest on the lees, gaining depth and mouthfeel. This regime has led to a Pinot Noir of great balance, foretelling of a long life ahead.

Clones: UCD 37, Dijon 115, 667, 777, and Pommard. 

Tasting Notes

We first notice the beautiful garnet color followed by fragrances of vanilla cola, black raspberry, fresh thyme and plum compote. On entry, the mouthfeel is soft and lush, with notes of black cherry, plum, cassis and milk chocolate. Juicy acidity bonds with structured tannins and lifts the long, spicy finish.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Wine Alcohol: 14.5%

Titratable Acidity: 6.25 g/L

pH: 3.62

Bottling Date: August 7, 2023

New Oak: 47% new French oak

Aging: Aged sur lie 9 months