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Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Vintage
2023
Region
Russian River Valley, California
Country
United States
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
14%
Dietary
Vegan, Vegetarian
Sustainability
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Merry Edwards
Merry Edwards is a Russian River Valley producer in Sonoma County, California, known for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from some of the region’s most distinctive vineyard sites. Founded in 1997 by pioneering winemaker Merry Edwards, the estate is now part of the Roederer Collection and continues under Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden and President Nicole Carter. Merry Edwards offers a premium Sonoma wine proposition, combining single-vineyard Pinot Noir, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, Certified California Sustainable farming and a house style defined by colour, texture and aromatic intensity.
Read MoreViticulture
Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is based on Sauvignon Blanc Clone 1, also known as Shenandoah, with a substantial proportion of Sauvignon Musqué. The Russian River Valley’s cool nights and regular coastal fog help preserve acidity and aromatic lift, while the Musqué selection contributes floral detail and a fuller body. This combination supports a Sauvignon Blanc with herbal freshness, tropical fruit expression, texture and the capacity to develop further in bottle.
Vinification
This Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in French oak, including 15% new oak, which builds richness and texture while retaining freshness. The wine is aged sur lie for five months, with lees stirring twice weekly to enhance mouthfeel, aromatic complexity and balance. This approach adds subtle oak nuance and depth without overwhelming the freshness, precision and vibrant fruit profile of Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
2023
After several drought years, the 2023 vintage brought welcome spring rainfall to the Russian River Valley. This replenished the vineyards, encouraged a healthy canopy and supported a full crop load. Moderated temperatures helped protect the vines from frost, while summer followed a classic regional pattern, with cool nights and coastal fog arriving each evening and lifting slowly by late morning. These conditions encouraged delicate floral and stone-fruit aromas, supported by bright, fresh acidity.
Tasting Note
The nose is highly aromatic, showing white pineapple, passion fruit, mango and guava, with subtle plumeria, lemon curd and lime zest. The palate is clean, bright and generous, combining ruby red grapefruit, honeysuckle and ripe melon with a lightly textural body from barrel fermentation and lees ageing. Tropical fruit richness is balanced by crisp, refreshing acidity, giving the wine precision, lift and a long, mouth-watering finish.
Food Pairing
Pair with black cod in kaffir lime and coconut broth, crab salad, seared scallops, asparagus risotto, goats? cheese, grilled prawns or lightly spiced Thai and Vietnamese seafood dishes.
Bottle Shots - Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2023
