Merry Edwards Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, United States

Vintage:2021 (Current)

2019 (Past) | 2020 (Past) |

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Merry Edwards Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021
  • JS 94
  • JD 93
  • WS 93
  • WE 91
  • V 90

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points March 2025, Virginie Boone

A blend from five different Sonoma Coast vineyards, this is a delicious Pinot steeped in flavors of raspberry liqueur and pomegranate, light in texture and personality yet rich and spicy on the finish. The oak makes itself felt midpalate, a delicately smooth layering of toast and tannin, lovingly balanced by pleasing aromas of violet and cinnamon. 

Wine Spectator 93 Points July 2024, James Molesworth

Backed by singed anise and black tea accents, this bursts with mulberry and cherry notes. Offers a frankly toasty frame, but the fruit wins out easily. This will provide very tasty drinking in the near future. Drink now through 2029.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points June 2024, Audrey Frick

The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has a very pretty and lifted profile in its aromas of red berries and pepper spice, and it’s very rosy, with ultra-fine tannins. It has a silky texture and is evenly balanced. Very elegantly styled, I would encourage readers who were not fans of the old style to check this out. It’s approachable now, but it won’t be lost if held for another 8-10 years.

Vinous Media 90 Points May 2024, Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is a delight. Plump and forward, the 2021 offers up succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, licorice and new leather. Soft, plush contours wrap it all together. Readers will find a bold Pinot that is ready to provide pleasure.

JamesSuckling.com 94 Points November 2023, James Suckling

Aromas of seaweed and umami with bark and sea salt as well as strawberry. Medium body. Red berries on the palate. Savory and flavorful. Yet agile. Ready to go. Drink now.

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.

Our 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a textbook example of the fine wines that come from grapes grown near our coastal boundaries. Cool evening fog wafts in from the ocean during the early evening and recedes gradually by noon, leaving behind cool, refreshed vines ready to bask in the sun. This wine, a blend of grapes from multiple vineyards, is a true representation of the marine-influenced region, where the environment allows us to leave the grapes on the vine long enough to develop abundant aromas and deep flavors.

Winemaking

Fully destemmed, berries are cold-soaked for six days. The 2021 vintage aged in 47% new French oak for nine 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: UCD37, 115, 667, 777, Heritage, Pommard and Windsor Gardens.

Tasting Notes

From a blend of clones, this graceful wine presents a floral, fruity profile with contrasting earthy undertones. This youthful and pretty wine offers notes of sandalwood, black tea, and dried rose petals, along with savory spice and a dusting of cocoa. Silky and tightly knit tannins marry with bright acidity leading into a palate with layers of forest floor, dark berries and plum. The finish is refreshing and long.

Food Pairing

A perfect match with the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an over-the-top charcuterie board. Artisan cured meats, your favorite local cheeses and freshly baked baguettes, olives, nuts, dried fruits, pickled vegetables, roasted garlic.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Wine Alcohol: 14.5%

Harvest Start Date: August 23, 2021

Harvest End Date: September 24, 2021

Bottling Date: August 2022

New Oak: 47%

Aging: Aged sur lie 9 months