One of the famed properties in the Russian River Valley, Merry Edwards began her career back in 1973. She sought to plant her own vineyards where she could capture flavors through site-specific viticulture. In 1996, she purchased 24 acres of sloping hillside in the southern hills of Russian River Valley, intent on growing Pinot Noir on this promising site. With her husband, Ken Coopersmith, as her helpmate, Merry planted 20 acres of vineyard at Meredith Estate in 1998 and harvested a small crop in 2000. 1999 Merry and Ken expanded the brand’s estate program by purchasing 9.5 acres on Laguna Ridge in the heart of Russian River Valley and planted in 2001.The first Coopersmith Pinot Noir released was a 2004 and this esteemed site is where Merry Edwards winery first began.
For many years I have enjoyed visiting her winery and tasting some of her new and older vintages. Heidi von Der Mehden has a longstanding history working under Merry Edwards. She After receiving a degree in chemistry from Santa Clara University in 1997 and teaching high school chemistry in Tanzania, Africa she became more enthralled in wine and studied under Merry for many years. Her new wines were gorgeous across the board. Do not miss out on the new 2021 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 95) which is rich and viscous with a sensational texture. I loved the new 2020 Merry Edwards ‘Meredith Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is a fantastic bottling for any serious collector of California Pinot Noir. Learn more about this famed Russian River outpost at merryedwards.com Here are the gorgeous new releases by Merry Edwards.
2021 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- Always big and loaded with finesse, the gorgeous 2021 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc is a superlative effort by the talented Heidi Van Der Mehden. Very soft upon entry, this leads with nutmeg infused honeydew melon, cashew nut, salted brioche and suggestions of nectarine pie, displaying both a dazzling mineralogy and a downright unctuous texture. Truly a complete wine, enjoy this beauty at a slightly warmer temperature to take in the full range of flavors and aromatics. Drink 2022-2030- 95
2020 Merry Edwards ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Coming from a host of sites in this AVA that borders the Pacific Ocean, the 2020 Merry Edwards ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers saline drenched red fruits with tobacco leaf and orange peel notes on the nose. The palate is very smooth and beautifully textured with soft tannins that line the very pretty core of red fruits. Enjoy this outstanding, terroir-driven Pinot Noir for at least another ten years. Drink 2022-2033- 93
2020 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir was first produced back in 1997 and comes from a range of vineyards in this AVA. The wine is round and generous on the attack, with ripe strawberry, Yakima cherry and kumquat zest flavors that mingle with the wonderful stony and peat moss accents. Enjoy this already beautifully evolved wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2032- 93
2020 Merry Edwards ‘Meredith Estate’ Pinot Noir- Merry Edwards planted this estate vineyard which was formerly an apple orchard in the Russian River Valley roughly twenty years ago. Very seamless and soft upon entry, the range of berry flavors really pops, ranging from bright red fruits to huckleberry and wild blackberry tones, with freshly tilled soils. The melange of rich fruits and damp earthy accents really makes this click. Drink 2022-2033- 94