Merry Edwards Winery Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma County, United States

Vintage:2022 (Past)

2023 (Current)

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Merry Edwards Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2022
  • WS 95
  • TP 94
  • JS 92
  • JD 92
  • VP 91

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points June 27, 2024, Audrey Frick

A bright silver color, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley is an exuberant white with lots of personality in its aromas of quince, citrus blossoms, and fresh chive, as well as softer floral and tropical tones with flinty lift. Medium to full-bodied, it has a rounded and supple texture. A wine with a cult following, this is in a great place now but should provide an open window over the coming 6-8 years.

Wine Spectator 95 Points, #16 Top 100 Wines of 2024 April 30, 2024, MaryAnn Worobiec

A stunning white, this leaps out of the glass with aromatic mango, orange blossom and salted ripe melon flavors. Gains complexity from grilled peach, lemon oil, savory litsea oil and toasted herb elements, with a fleshy, creamy texture and fresh acidity. Drink now through 2029.

VinePair 91 Points March 19, 2024, Hannah Staab

The Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc from Merry Edwards continues to be a stunning, standard-setting example of California Sauvignon Blanc. While some producers can be a little too heavy-handed with the oak influence when it comes to this style, this bottle finds the perfect balance between freshness and richness. It's aged on its lees for five months in 18 percent new French oak barrels, imparting a subtle vanilla note and lovely soft texture. The wine has bright aromatics of white flowers, pineapple, and lemon zest, that turn into creamy lemon curd notes on the palate.

The Tasting Panel Magazine 94 Points March 2024, Meridith May

Barrel fermented and aged sur lie for five months in (18% new) French oak, the wine glistens with Meyer lemon and honeydew. Pineapple, gardenia, and sweet basil line the palate, lending a zingy profile to a finish of salty minerality.

JamesSuckling.com 92 Points November 23, 2023, James Suckling

A layered and creamy white with melon, apple puree and hints of kiwi. Medium body, creamy, and lovely al dente finish. Just a hint of sweetness.

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.

The stunning 2022 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is the result of impeccable farming along with our practices of barrel fermentation and lees-stirring. The maritime influence at our vineyards means that even when we have unprecedented heat, as we did in 2022, our grapes are able to hold onto delicate flavors and juicy acidity. 

Winemaking

Full fermentation in barrels crafted by Tonnellerie Cadus, 18% new oak, moderate green flavors. Elevage in barrel also allows for our biweekly lees-stirring (for four months) protocol, vital to developing rich mouthfeel. 

Tasting Notes

This wine opens with enticing aromas of Meyer lemon, white pineapple, lime zest and white blossoms. On the palate, ripe yellow stone fruit and lemon grass mingle with notes of honeydew and marzipan. The texture is silky, but the bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with Kaffir lime and coconut soup with black cod. The combination of Kaffir lime and coconut milk with the slightly spicy broth makes an outstanding pairing with our Sauvignon Blanc.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Sauvignon Blanc (Shenandoah Clone 1, Sauvignon Musqué)

Wine Alcohol: 14%

pH: 3.39

New Oak: 18% French, bâtonnage twice per week

Aging: 5 months in barrel