Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir 2009

All of us here at the winery appreciate the magnificent way in which the Meredith Estate virtually blossoms with bottle age. Last year for our post-harvest party, we opened a 10-year vertical of this wine. The lineup included the inaugural 2000 production through the current 2009 vintage. It was rewarding to see the singular personality of this vibrant Pinot Noir so consistently reflected over its entire first decade. Even the vintages that we originally considered to be more elegant in style -- 2001, 2005 and 2006 -- had expanded in volume and richness.

The aroma is deeply layered, opening with the distinctive white pepper signature of the 2009 vintage. This quickly expands into a perfume rich with blueberries, wild roses, plums, blackberries, lavender and violets. Accents of exotic Indian spice, sweet pipe tobacco and vanilla bean heighten the experience. On the palate, its fine bones support layers of full, generous tannin and acidity. This Pinot, though tightly wound, is poised, just waiting for time to release its full potential.