Merry Edwards Russian River Pinot Noir 2018
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Connoisseurs'
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Robert
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Winemaker Notes
This brilliant, burgundy-hued wine immediately offers up fragrances of mixed berries, Bing cherry, cola, candied violets and black tea along with exotic spices and dried herbs. On the palate, there is a compelling mix of broad tannin's and minerality, along with a seductive measure of smoky oak balanced with juicy acidity. Black plum, brambleberry, cassis and wet slate create a layered and lingering finish. We carefully selected a dish to pair with this wine that is made using one of the most popular preparations in the world, tikka masala. Lamb Tikka Masala, which pairs beautifully with the exotic spices and herbs present in this Pinot. It makes a lovely spring or summer meal with fresh steamed vegetables and jasmine rice.
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
With its clear look at bright, pure cherry-like fruit, this bottling is very close to classic save for its early availability and only limited aging potential. It is medium-full to full on the palate and near to smooth save for some finishing firmness, and while it will hold up well in bottle for two to four years, it does invite enjoyment now alongside dishes like broiled rib chops or even salmon napped in beurre blanc.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has a nose of cranberry sauce and baked rhubarb with accents of blood orange, tea leaves, earth and potpourri. The medium-bodied palate is bright and spicy, soft and juicy with an amaro-laced finish.
Other Vintages
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Connoisseurs'
Guide
Merry Edwards Winery was founded in 1997 and produces critically acclaimed terroir-driven Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blanc using site-specific viticulture in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. Over two decades, Merry assembled a stellar collection of vineyards and with her meticulous attention to detail crafted Pinot Noirs of immense depth, elegant structure and exceptional longevity. Her Sauvignon Blanc is among the most sought after in the world.
Now a Certified California Sustainable Winery, the brand entered a new chapter after Merry’s retirement. Merry’s handpicked successor, Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden, and Winery President Nicole Carter have taken up exactly where Merry left off and will continue to make wines treasured by legions of Merry Edwards’ fans well into the future.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.