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.
This assemblage of different Pinot Noir vineyards and clones from parcels across the Sonoma Coast showcases Merry’s skill as a blender. 100% destemmed.
A blend of UCD37, 667, 777, 115, Swan and Martini Pommard Clones.
100% destemmed grapes. The wine is vinified in 44% new oak from Doreau, D&J, and F. Freres Coopers.
The exotic aroma shows off spicy notes of cardamom, tamarind, allspice and cinnamon. This expands into mouthwatering candied red cherries and berry fruits: red raspberries, wild strawberries, ripe boysenberries and juicy blackberries. Cocoa nibs, cola, white chocolate, candied violets, crème brûlée, caramel and just a hint of blood orange add layers of complexity. The palate echoes the theme of the aroma — intensified. The tannins are round and full, accented by bright acidity. Finely integrated oak complements the fleshy, succulent fruit mouthfeel. Unctuous flavors then taper into a satisfying, spicy black pepper finish.
This Pinot is equally comfortable as a before-dinner treat or paired with an early course as part of a sumptuous banquet.
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points (Virginie Boone)
Jammy plum, strawberry and dark cherry ooze from the core of this beautifully coastal wine, seasoned in dried herb, clove and black tea. Expressive and varietal, with a thick tannin structure, it has room to open further and unwind, its oak well integrated and its tannins structured.
Jamie Goode: 92 Points
Antonio Galloni: 92 Points
Freshly cut flowers, mint, white pepper and red cherry fruit give the Sonoma Coast Pinot a brilliant upper register to play off its mid-weight personality. Next to the Russian River Pinot, the Sonoma Coast is more linear and a bit less exuberant, but every bit as appealing.
The Terroirist: 91 Points
Ripe dark cherry color. Really aromatic, with black cherry preserves, raspberry jam, with rose petals, clove, cola, warm clay. Medium+ bodied, fresh acidity, silky tannins, it has a ripe but crisp feel throughout. Black cherries and raspberries mix with cranberry jam, spiced tea, clove and earth. This is a fresh, complex, delicious Pinot that covers a lot of different bases.
Sonoma Coast, California, USA
100% Pinot Noir
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
