Merry Edwards approaches life with graceful intensity. Now in the fifth decade of her winemaking career, Merry has earned the universal respect of winemaking peers, grape growers and academicians.

At home in the Russian River Valley since 1977, Merry Edwards has explored its hills, pockets, slopes and hollows, discovering small sites where choosing the right rootstock, clone and farming techniques can produce exceptional grapes. This led her in 1996 to purchase land in the Sebastopol Hills region of Russian River Valley.

Merry often refers to this appellation blend as the core Pinot Noir in our portfolio. An assemblage of half a dozen different Pinot Noir vineyards within the Russian River Valley area, the wine showcases the art of blending. With this diversity, the Pinot created is a wonderful, kaleidoscopic reflection of the Russian River Valley.

The 2018 vintage aged in 52 percent new French oak for nine months, allowing the wine time to rest on the lees, gaining depth and mouthfeel. This regime has led to a Pinot Noir of great balance, foretelling of a long life ahead.

This brilliant, burgundy-hued wine immediately offers up fragrances of mixed berries, Bing cherry, cola, candied violets and black tea along with exotic spices and dried herbs. On the palate, there is a compelling mix of broad tannins and minerality, along with a seductive measure of smoky oak balanced with juicy acidity. Black plum, brambleberry, cassis and wet slate create a layered and lingering finish

Pairs beautifully with a farm-fresh egg frittata with mushrooms.