2020 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River

Winemaker Notes: In one way or another, all of our wines are blends. For single-vineyard wines, special blocks, clones or barrels may be selected and thoughtfully combined. Likewise, our Russian River Pinot is, in a way, the grandest of our blends, as its goal is to portray the heart of our valley. This Pinot Noir’s kaleidoscopic personality was created by melding five unique vineyards, eight singular clones and 12 individual lots.

The bouquet of this wine uncovers memories of ripening blackberry fields, berry compote and warm plum clafoutis. The complexity of frothed and aromatic Mexican chocolate, with its cinnamon, nutmeg, rich cocoa butter and nutty flavor is found here also. Wood-grilled meat, mushrooms and other earthy notes accompany the sweet, toasty and supportive oak.

Smooth and round on the entry, the palate is powerful yet supple, imparting an impression of thickness. Tannins build tension across the body in line with a balanced acid profile. Generous fruit carries over from the aroma joined by dried fig, sarsaparilla and a lingering toastiness. Polished and firm on the finish, this wine has many years to unfold.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "Moving into some black fruits with the 2020 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, it offers notes of dark fresh earth, toast, and cinnamon stick. The texture is full, with fairly gripping structure, and the palate is rich with black cherry, tea leaf, and forested earth. Drink this over the next 10 or more years."


Wine Spectator - "Packs some punch, with a dense and juicy core of linzer torte, blackberry and black cherry flavors. Well-defined, with light anise and apple wood accents through the structured finish. A bit unbridled in feel but will certainly have fans. Best from 2023"