Merry Edwards is like her wines – an intricate blend of artistic vision and scientific training, with a passion for the natural environment.
With five decades of winemaking experience, Merry has earned the universal respect of winemaking peers, grape growers and scholars alike. Her pioneering work in clonal research has forever changed the Californian wine industry, and her UCD clone 37, or “Merry Edwards Selection”, has been a star performer in the Russian River valley since she established it in 1975.
At home in the Russian River Valley since 1977, Merry Edwards has meticulously explored its hills, pockets, slopes and hollows, discovering small sites which, with the right rootstock, clone and farming techniques, produce exceptional quality grapes. Merry Edwards has been Certified Sustainable since 2017 and all wines are vegan friendly.
Sustainability is ‘a way of life’ at Merry Edwards, who have been Certified Sustainable since 2017. Merry believes that “terroir is not simply longitude, latitude and soil type, but also reflects the input of the farmer”. These ‘inputs’ include organic composts, biodegradable vineyard products, ‘a bevy of roses’, insect-friendly cover crops, flower borders and floral borders, which act as natural pest control. Deficit irrigation only feeds the vines during times of water stress, all green waste is recycled back into the estate and the winery has been 100% powered by solar energy since panels were installed in 2010.
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 six months) protocol, vital to developing rich mouthfeel.
This lively wine with a golden-green hue has an aromatic nose of tangerine, guava, honeydew and cantaloupe melons along with notes of white blossoms and marzipan. On the palate, sweet oak is balanced by crisp acidity, with a juicy finish featuring a splash of zesty grapefruit.
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!
94 points
“An aromatic nose of stone fruit, fresh tropical fruit and jasmine. Full-bodied with a nice, oily texture. Fruity and lightly honeyed on the palate. Lavender and lily. Steely. Loire-like. Always an excellent sauvignon blanc.”
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2022
92 points
“This Sauvignon Blanc offers pretty aromas of elderflower, white peaches, lime peel and kiwi with touches of baker’s yeast and alluring floral perfume. The palate is medium-bodied and flavorful, with notable concentration and freshness that will broaden its appeal at the table.”
Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate, July 2022
92 points
“The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley jumps out of the glass with pristine ripe tropical fruit including guava, fresh white flowers, and grapefruit pith. The palate is ripe with sweet pink grapefruit candy, light vanilla spice, and sweet peach. Soft and rounded, the riper style of the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc makes it approachable now or over the next 6 years.”
Audrey Frick, Jebdunnuck.com, August 2022
93 points
“This pale straw-colored Sauvignon Blanc from Merry Edwards opens with a ripe honeydew melon and lime bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced and bright. The flavor profile is a tasty Bosc pear and honeydew melon blend with notes of almond and kiwi. I also detected a hint of grapefruit. The finish was nice and pleasant.”
Ken’s Wine Guide, August 2022
Russian River Valley, California, USA
65% Sauvignon Blanc Shenandoah
35% Sauvignon Musqué
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
