2022 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Boasting a rich magenta/ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is classic and very much in the style lovers of this estate have come to expect. It’s ripe with notes of fresh black cherries, scorched earth, violets, and dark forest earth. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with sweet tannins and is generous without feeling heavy. Long on the finish and fully dry. It’s a very well-styled Pinot Noir from this challenging vintage that’s going to drink well over the next 6-8 years. 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 2022 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a classic wine for the appellation and a terrific introduction to the vineyard-designates in this range. Succulent dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, new leather, cedar, cola and a kiss of French oak are all dialed up. Soft, creamy tannins wrap it all together in style.