Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

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.

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 six months) protocol, vital to developing rich mouthfeel.

Tasting Note

Yellow peach, melon, guava and crisp Fuji apple are accented with hints of tropical mango and pineapple. Lime, Minneola tangelo and orange blossom lend citrus notes. Accents of dry summer grass, vanilla-toned panna cotta and toasted crème brûlée create complexity. An underlying minerality adds further sophistication.

The rich palate coats the tongue balanced with hints of yummy Creamsicle and Ruby Red grapefruit. Refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering finish cap the sensual experience of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Delightful now, with bottle age, this wine will be a knockout!

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!

Press

Drinks Business Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters 2020: Master, 95 Points

“Lovely nose, creamy, layered, with beeswax, pear, toast and vanilla. Palate too, lovely, touch of elderflower, ripe sweet pear, peach, toast, cream, cinnamon, nuts and long fresh finish, with tangerine and hint of lime. Not harsh, but bright, with oily core, and integrated fine oak. Delicious.”

The Tasting Panel Magazine: 95 Points

“I don’t think there’s a Sauvignon Blanc out there with the complex array of aromatics and unique flavors offered up by this stellar super-Sauv….Fully barrel fermented in French oak and on the lees for six months. Scents of salted butterscotch, peach blossom, just-mowed grass and pineapple fill the air. Developed flavors of jasmine-soaked pears and honeyed tangerine are mesmerizing – and the acidity pulls it all together.” Meridith May.

Wine Spectator: 93 Points

“A pretty thread of orange water adds an aromatic lift to the core of nectarine, apricot and lemon zest flavors, set on a succulent, fleshy frame. Dried ginger, honeysuckle and melon notes linger on the long, expressive finish.”

The Wine Advocate: 92 Points

“The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc contains 60% estate fruit this year and 42% of the blend comes from Sauvignon Musqué. Barrel fermented and aged in 18% new oak with twice-weekly lees stirring, it has a gregarious nose with gooseberry, tart kiwi, tarragon, cut grass, white peaches and elderflower plus touches of lime and stone. Light to medium-bodied, it offers great flavor intensity with bright, zippy acidity and a long, lightly textured finish.”

Russian River Valley, California, USA
58% Sauvignon Blanc
42% Sauvignon Musqué

Natural Cork
Yes
Yes

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