2006 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA
April 8, 2009 by Derek Swanson
Searching for a holiday wine? Seek out this week’s recommendation from esteemed wine writer and educator Summer Whitford:
“If you are a Pinot Noir lover or know someone who is, Merry Edwards’ 2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir will make your wine sipping Merry-er! It exhibits abundant plum, dark berry, and dark sour cherry notes on both the nose and the palate. The wine’s full body and velvety texture hint at the Titian-style ripeness that has made Merry Edwards Sonoma Valley’s undisputed “Queen of Pinot Noir”.
“Her eponymous winery makes both red and white wine sourced from grapes grown on more than 40 acres of Pinot Noir vines in the Meredith Estate, Coopersmith, and Georganne vineyards in Russian River Valley as well as premium parcels in the Sonoma Valley AVA. Merry passionately asserts that good winemaking occurs in the vineyard and for more than 30 years she has remained true to her viticultural and culinary roots.
“That is why her Pinot Noirs exhibit a restrained elegance that doesn’t overwhelm your palate or food with big oaky tannins and high alcohol levels. These wines aren’t about power–they are all about finesse. They seduce you with their charms and slowly reveal their secrets, one sip at a time. As you linger over your glass, the wines become less elusive and slowly open up to display layers of deeply nuanced aromas and character. Underlying this are earthy flavors that are mellowed by balanced fruit and acidity.”
If you would like to entertain as Merry does, try serving this Pinot Noir with Epicurious’ recipe for Roasted Pork Loin with Cardamom Currant Jelly Sauce—the combination is delicious. Merry Edwards Russian River Pinot Noir can be found at The Wine Specialist or at retailers listed on Wine-Searcher.com.
