Frequently Asked Questions
Experience the epitome of Russian River Valley terroir with the **2022 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir**, a masterful expression of this celebrated appellation. This elegant, medium to full-bodied wine reveals layers of ripe black cherry, dark plum, and cassis, harmonized by earthy undertones of scorched earth and violets. Aged in 53% new French oak for 10 months, it boasts silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, dry finish that hints at cola, mocha, and delicate spices. Crafted from meticulously selected clones, including Dijon and Pommard, this wine reflects the region's fog-cooled vineyards and diverse soils, making it a stunning introduction to the world-class Pinot Noirs of Sonoma County. Perfect for savoring now or cellaring up to 8 years, it pairs beautifully with fine cuisine or intimate celebrations.
Process & Profile
The Merry Edwards Russian River Pinot Noir is a testament to meticulous winemaking rooted in tradition. Grapes are carefully sourced from multiple premium vineyards across the Russian River Valley, chosen to highlight the region's diverse characteristics. The 2022 vintage underwent precise techniques, including full destemming and a five-day cold soak to extract deep flavors. Aged for ten months in 53% new French oak, the wine develops balanced depth and a plush mouthfeel without overpowering its innate elegance. With an alcohol content of 14.5%, it strikes a harmonious balance between richness and approachability. Key Features:- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
- Clones: UCD 37, Dijon 115, 667, 777, and Pommard
- Aging: 53% new French oak for ten months
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir is visually stunning with its rich magenta hue, enticing the senses even before the first sip.- Aromas: A captivating bouquet of black cherry, plum, and cassis, wrapped in hints of vanilla, mocha, and forest earth.
- Palate: A lush and layered profile featuring dark berries, cola, and subtle earthy undertones, complemented by velvety tannins and bright acidity.
- Finish: The wine leaves a lingering impression of cocoa, spice, and minerality, with beautifully integrated oak enhancing its complexity.
What Makes It Special
The Merry Edwards Pinot Noir stands out as a tribute to the Russian River Valley's unique terroir and winemaking expertise:- Terroir-Driven Craftsmanship: A blend of vineyard parcels—each contributing distinct characteristics such as cherry from Santa Rosa Plain, perfume and acidity from Sebastopol Hills, and tannic richness from Laguna Ridge.
- Legacy of Excellence: Merry Edwards Winery, founded in 1997, is celebrated for its commitment to creating wines of depth, elegance, and longevity.
- Highly Rated: The 2022 vintage earned critical acclaim, including 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck for its exceptional structure and balance.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate this luxurious Pinot Noir, follow these tips:- Serving Temperature: Serve slightly chilled at 60–65°F for optimal flavor expression.
- Food Pairing: This versatile wine complements a wide range of dishes, from grilled salmon and duck breast to mushroom risotto and aged cheese. Its bright acidity and balanced tannins make it equally enjoyable with charcuterie boards or roasted vegetables.
- Aging Potential: While irresistibly drinkable now, this wine has the structure to evolve beautifully over the next 6–8 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key flavor notes of this wine?
The Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley features a symphony of flavors, including ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, cola, and hints of French oak. Its soft tannins and creamy texture create a balanced and memorable palate experience.
Is this wine suitable for aging?
Yes, this Pinot Noir is crafted with great balance and structure, making it suitable for aging. You can enjoy it now or cellar it for up to 6-8 years to allow its flavors to develop further complexity.
What makes the Russian River Valley ideal for growing Pinot Noir?
The Russian River Valley's unique terroir includes cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean, mild afternoon sunshine, and fertile, well-drained soils. These conditions extend the growing season, allowing the grapes to develop deeply layered flavors and retain their natural acidity, which is essential for world-class Pinot Noir.
What food pairings work best with this wine?
This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled salmon, earthy mushroom dishes, and soft cheeses like Brie or truffled goat cheese. Its versatile profile also complements desserts such as chocolate torte with raspberry coulis.
What is the alcohol content and acidity level of this wine?
The alcohol content is 14.5%, and the wine has vibrant acidity (6.25 g/L, with a pH of 3.62), which contributes to its lively and fresh profile.
What distinguishes this Pinot Noir from others?
Merry Edwards Winery is renowned for its commitment to quality and terroir-driven wines. This Pinot Noir blends fruit from diverse vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley, showcasing the region's best characteristics, including rich fruit flavors and elegant structure.
How is this wine made?
The grapes are fully destemmed and cold-soaked for five days to extract vibrant color and flavor. The wine is then aged for 10 months in 47% new French oak barrels on the lees, enhancing its depth and mouthfeel.
What are the tasting notes for this wine?
This Pinot Noir reveals aromas of vanilla cola, black raspberry, and plum compote. On the palate, expect layers of black cherry, milk chocolate, and cassis, with a long, spicy finish supported by structured tannins and juicy acidity.
What is the vintage and bottle aging timeline for this wine?
The current vintage is 2022, bottled in August 2023. It is ready to drink now but has the potential to age gracefully through 2032.
Why is Merry Edwards referred to as the "Queen of Pinot"?
Merry Edwards has earned a reputation for her meticulous winemaking and her ability to craft exceptional Pinot Noirs that capture the essence of the Russian River Valley, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in California winemaking.
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