MERRY EDWARDS
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
Why Buy: Merry Edwards belongs in any serious discussion of world-class Pinot Noir. And this magnificent pair of 96-pointers shows why: these are lush and powerful wines that redefine what this noble grape can achieve. The secret lies in their distinctive approach – selecting small-berried clones for maximum skin contact, employing extended cold soaks for deeper extraction, and maintaining an obsessive focus on texture. The result? Pinot Noirs of uncommon depth and intensity that somehow never sacrifice elegance.
What They're Saying: The critics have not been reserved in their praise. Wine Enthusiast awarded 96 points to the 2021 Meredith Estate Pinot Noir, praising it as "an exercise in enthusiasm" with aromatics "turned up to 11" and a saturated palate that delivers "crème de cassis, licorice and fried shiitake flavors for minutes on end." The 2022 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, drew equal praise from The Tasting Panel, which, in a 96-point review, praised it for its "bounty of spiced red cherry" and "juicy, luscious mouthfeel," noting how its "lick of salinity offers a charge to pomegranate, black tea, and cedar."
Our Tasting Notes: Here are two Pinot Noirs that command attention. The Meredith Estate draws you in with deep, brooding aromatics — wild berries and exotic spices mingling with subtle notes of roasted coffee. The palate delivers remarkable depth and power, with layers of dark fruit and savory umami notes wrapped in polished, refined tannins. The Olivet Lane offers its own captivating profile: bright red fruits and Asian spices lead to a palate of remarkable precision and energy, where each sip seems to reveal something different.
The Story: 1970 wasn't just the start of a new decade — it marked the beginning of a revolution in California wine. While studying physiology at Berkeley, Merry Edwards began making wine under her Merry Vintners label. It was a hobby that would reshape American winemaking. After earning her master's in food science from UC Davis, she embarked on a journey that would help put Russian River Valley Pinot Noir on the map. But it wasn't until 1997 that she launched her eponymous winery, where she eventually would perfect her signature style — selecting small-berried clones for optimal skin contact, employing extended cold soaks for deep color extraction, and focusing obsessively on texture. Today, under winemaker Heidi von der Mehden, that approach has not changed one bit, nor has Edwards’s commitment to minding the small details continues. Each wine receives meticulous attention, from vineyard to cellar.
What to Pair Them With: The Meredith Estate pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or porcini risotto, while the Olivet Lane expressed itself best alongside a pan-seared duck breast or cedar-planked salmon.
Fun Fact: In 2013, Merry Edwards became only the fourth woman inducted into the Culinary Institute of America's Vintners Hall of Fame — the same year she won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Professional.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CO, KS, MI, NC, NE. NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, December 26th, 2024.