2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Méthode a l'Ancienne

A bright ruby color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane is toasty on opening, with notes of incense, cedar, cranberries, and high-toned spices. All about elegance, it’s medium-bodied and refreshing, with refined, sweet tannins, a silky texture, and a clean lift of fresh acidity. A well-balanced and highly charming wine, it will benefit from another couple of years in bottle to shed its more primary fruit. Drink 2025-2035. It is an exciting period for this estate, as they are now starting to release the first few vintages produced since Merry Edwards’ retirement in 2000. Heidi Von Der Mehden joined as her successor in 2015, working closely alongside the founder for five years leading up to her departure. In 2019, the estate was purchased by the exceptional Champagne house of Louis Roederer. While long-time fans of the estate will continue to have their go-to wines in the range from the Russian River Valley, the estate has also been expanding north into the Anderson Valley, and those wines are fantastic additions to the estate’s portfolio, offering a lot of finesse and nuance.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane is a classic wine from this part of the Russian River Valley. Crushed flowers, spice, mocha and red-toned fruit are all amplified. The 2021 offers tons of textural intensity while also retaining an element of translucence that is quite attractive.