Over the past 10 years, Merry Edwards has made some serious headlines in the wine world. Merry Edwards has become not only one of the most famous women in wine but one of the most famous winemakers in the world by producing world class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.
The ratings are there, as some of her wines have eclipsed 95 points from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. I have never tried a more expressive or unique North American Sauvignon Blanc. Year after year, Merry Edwards produces the best Sauvignon Blanc in North America.
I was first introduced to Merry Edwards in 2007 following their 2005 Sauvignon Blanc being on the Wine Spectator Top 100 (list of Merry Edwards considerable accolades http://www.merryedwards.com/merry/accolades.asp). Since that time they have consistently been on the Wine Spectator Top 100, including being the 9th on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list in 2009 with a rating of 96 points, an unheard of rating for California Sauvignon Blanc. Their expression of Sauvignon Blanc is so vibrant and novel that it makes many Sonoma and Napa Sauvignon Blancs seemingly mundane. Their Sauvignon Blanc is consistently rated near the top from all major wine magazines. Here are some of the fantastic wines that I have recently tried at Merry Edwards Winery. #merryedwards
2013 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc- Bright nose with starfruit grapefruit and light oak. Palate has cantaloupe, pear, Japanese Apple and minerals. Drink now. -93
2012 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc- Gooseberry and lemon rind on the nose. Plate has Meyer lemon, orange peel, gooseberry, starfruit and the finish lingers. Complex lemon and lime flavors. Unreal juice, drink now. -95
2012 Merry Edwards ‘Olivet Lane’ Pinot Noir- The second oldest vineyard for Pinot in Russian River valley. Rich nose with pomegranate, cinnamon and red cherry. Some citrus component with cran-orange, red cherry and raspberry on the palate. Needs 1-2 years. -91
2012 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- Composed from a combination of 6 vineyards. Nose has cinnamon and raspberry. Palate is Bright with raspberry and red cherry. Forward and delicious. -92
2012 Merry Edwards 'Coppersmith Vineyard' Pinot Noir- Named after Merry’s husband. Nose has red berry with vanilla and cherry pie. Palate tastes like cherry pie and cranberry in this forward and richer style of wine. Needs 2-3 years to develop. Delicious wine. -93
2012 Merry Edwards 'Klopp Ranch'- Dijon clones for this small production wine. More forward and approachable style. Nose has nutmeg, oak and ripe red cherry. Red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate on the palate. Delicious wine. Drink now. -91
2012 Merry Edwards ‘Meredith Estate’ Pinot Noir- This is fruit from the coolest vineyard in the portfolio. Mushroom and red cherry on the nose. Palate has red cherry, raspberry and cherry pie. Just delicious now but can cellar for many years. -93
2011 Merry Edwards ‘Meredith Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Mushroom and red cherry on the nose. Palate has ripe red cherry, raspberry mushroom, forest floor and cherry cola elements. Delicious now, so drink now. -93