Over the past 10 plus years, Merry Edwards has made some serious headlines in the wine world. Merry Edwards has become one of the most famous winemakers in the world by producing world class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Year after year, Merry Edwards produces the some of best Sauvignon Blanc in North America that rivals the best out of France. Her Pinots impress too and I feel like she is becoming a stronger Pinot winemaker year after year. Merry Edwards began her career at Mount Eden Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1974. She went on to become the founding winemaker at Matanzas Creek in 1977 and remained there until 1984. For the next decade, Merry consulted for numerous wineries, large and small, in Oregon and many diverse appellations of California. In 1997, family and friends joined Merry to found Merry Edwards Winery, with a focus on producing Pinot Noirs from Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.
I was first introduced to Merry Edwards in 2007 and found her expression of Sauvignon Blanc to be vibrant, novel and completely irresistible. Her new release, the 2014 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 93) shows the richness and intensity that Merry Edwards is known for. Also look for their 2013 Merry Edwards ‘Flax Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94), which is an absolutely stunning bottling that showcases earthy terroir and fruit flavors. Some of these wines can be found at great Northwest wine shops like Total Wines and Esquin. Learn more about Merry Edwards winery at http://www.merryedwards.com/Here are some of the fantastic wines that I have recently tried at Merry Edwards Winery.
2013 Merry Edwards ‘Olivet Lane’ Chardonnay- This beautifully balanced Chardonnay starts with aromas of nutmeg, golden delicious apple, and poached pear. There are flavors of Gala apple, pear and suggestions of nutmeg. Nicely balanced with nice viscosity. Drink 2016-2026- 93
2013 Merry Edwards ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The wine starts with aromas of red cherry, anise, coriander and hints of cranberry. There are flavors of crab-cherry, orange rind, red raspberry and pomegranate seed. Lovely minerality and balance to this fruity wine. Drink 2016-2026- 92
2013 Merry Edwards ‘Meredith Estate’ Pinot Noir- The wine begins with aromatics of black cherry, black olive, orange rind and rose petals. There are flavors of mushroom, forest floor, red currant and red cherry with suggestions s of blood orange. Drink 2016-2027- 93
2013 Merry Edwards ‘Flax Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This awesome Pinot Noir wine begins with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, smoke and mushroom. There are flavors of cran-pomegranate, blood orange rind, Shitake mushroom, black cherry and wild blackberry. Lovely weight and complexity. This is balanced and intense with moderate tannins. A Pinot to cellar. Drink 2017-2028- 94
2014 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc- This exotic style Sav Blanc begins with aromatics reminiscent of peach pit, roasted pear and Gala apple. There are flavors of Pink Lady apple, vanilla cream and gooseberry. This is a simply gorgeous wine with lovely weight and viscosity. The texture makes this a one of a kind Sav Blanc. Drink 2016-2024- 93