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.

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.

“Dense and structured, this robust wine offers more than the usual tannins and acidity, giving it a grippy mouthfeel and the potential to mellow with time. Black cherries, black currants and woodsy spices are there, waiting to develop.”

“Lots of focused tannins and dark fruits such as cherries and strawberries. Hibiscus. Very clear and precise. Full to medium body. Very fine and clean tannins. Orange peel. Linear and racy finish.”

“A wonderful brightness to this white with honey blossom, lemon character and green melon. Shows tension and brightness. Phenolic texture and firmness. Lots going on.”