Every now and then I come across a wine or wines so appealing that I can’t seem to get enough of them. Such is the case with the wines of Merry Edwards in Sebastopol, California. For more than 40 years, this self-proclaimed perfectionist has been turning out what many critics and wine lovers alike consider some of the best pinot noirs in North America. I first learned of these delicious wines back in 2007 while attending a local tasting. Shortly thereafter I had the opportunity to speak with Merry directly and found her no-nonsense approach to growing grapes and winemaking intriguing.
Edwards earned a master’s degree in enology from UC Berkeley in 1973 and admits that back then her objective was a career in nutrition and not necessarily wine. As fate would have it, she followed her heart and in the end chose winemaking, a lucky break for those of us who are wine lovers. In fact, the goals she set from the very beginning both for herself and the winery have today become an integral way of life. She along with her staff have spent years cultivating grapes from designated vineyard sites to produce a lineup of wines that has few rivals. Each wine is reminiscent of both the soil composition and local climate. What it boils down to is that each of these wines is characteristically unique in both taste and structure.
Of course, success did not come easy. Edwards recalls that when first starting out she encountered gender discrimination and barriers to advancement. Through steadfast determination she has now gained the respect and admiration from peers, many of whom seek her advice. Perhaps the best way to judge these wines is to try some of them for yourself. Below you’ll find a number of Merry Edwards wines along with tasting notes. Most are locally available and in my opinion, worth seeking out. Cheers!
Without a doubt, the 2015 Klopp Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir is a terrific wine. Very aromatic and loaded with dark fruit flavors such as raspberry and blackberry, along with fig and hints of toasty oak. Well-balanced, it offers a touch of spice on the long, luscious finish. Pairs nicely with pork tenderloin and steamed vegetables. $65
Of course, you can always indulge in the 2015 Russian River Valley, Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir. This marvelous wine is full-bodied with balanced tannins and a touch of oak. On the palate jam, plum and cherry flavors come alive, thus tantalizing the taste buds. Try a bottle with rib-eyed steak and potato au gratin. $48
The 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is well-balanced and elegant with rose petal and strawberry flavors along with hints of sage. Excellent with assorted cheeses and mixed vegetable dishes. $45
A personal favorite is the 2015 Coopersmith Pinot Noir. This simply delicious wine offers rich aromas of malted milk and chocolate. Full-bodied with plush red fruit flavors and toasty oak. I might also add that this wonderful wine has very good cellaring potential. I recently paired this wine with baked chicken breast and jasmine rice. $65
I’d be remiss if not mentioning that Merry Edwards also producers a stunning sauvignon blanc that I highly recommend you try. The 2016 is a wine that displays a bright gold color along with lively citrus fruit flavors and hints of mineral. The crisp acidity and clean refreshing finish will have you longing for more. $40
Wine of the Week: CVNE: Vina Real Crianza 2014, Spain. Bright red color with intense aromas of ripe black cherry and currants complemented by hints of oak, vanilla and spice. On the palate, plush fruit flavors along with well-balanced tannins and a spicy finish. Pairs nicely with grilled lamb chops or a hearty stew. $14