Merry Edwards Russian River Pinot Noir 2008
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From the outset, this Pinot captivates with its jewel-like quality. The aroma has many facets ? dark cherry, rich plum and chocolate. As you swirl it in your glass, the complexity unfolds and expands, manifesting accents of licorice, vanilla bean and spicy oak. An enticing, succulent entry on the palate opens with masses of ripe fruit and a hint of earthiness, while firm, tarry tannins fill the extended finish. This wine will surprise you with its age-worthiness!
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A blend of seven vineyards scattered across the valley, this is a full-bodied, ripe Pinot Noir whose tannins suggest cellaring. Thoroughly dry, it shows deep notes of blackberries, black cherries, clove and pepper spice and smoky, vanilla-scented sandalwood. Feels elegant. Give it until 2013, at least.
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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.