{"title":"Merry Edwards","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"merry-edwards-sauvignon-blanc-2021","title":"Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e is a barrel-fermented, sur lie-aged Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley, bottled at 14% ABV in a 750ml format. Awarded 91 points by \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e (March 2023), this vintage continues the winery's reputation for producing one of the two finest Sauvignon Blancs in America — a distinction shared only with Spottswoode.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Vintage: 2021  |  Winery: Merry Edwards Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMerry Edwards Winery was founded in 1997 by Merry Edwards, one of California's pioneering female winemakers and a leading figure in Russian River Valley viticulture. The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is built from a deliberate clone selection: two-thirds Shenandoah (Clone 1) and one-third Sauvignon Musqué, a pairing that drives the wine's distinctive floral and tropical aromatics with a citrusy core. After barrel fermentation, the wine ages sur lie for four months in 18% new French oak, receiving batonnage — twice-weekly lees stirring — to develop its characteristic creamy texture while preserving acidity and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The first swirl releases fragrances of white peaches and lime zest, followed by delicate white pineapple and ripe stone fruit. Floral undertones emerge as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upon entry, a creamy texture is buoyed by bright acidity. The mid-palate delivers ripe, fleshy mango and peach alongside dried apricot, all with terrific focus and persistence. Details of pear, lemon zest, candied ginger, and lemongrass add complexity, while notes of quince and melon float across a medium-bodied frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ruby red grapefruit, white blossoms, and citrus flowers linger on a seamless, well-integrated finish. The length is impressive, with the lees-driven creaminess giving way to a clean, vibrant close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe lightly chilled at 50–55°F to allow the full aromatic spectrum to develop; this wine rewards the attention of a proper stemmed glass neat. A white Burgundy-style glass with a wider bowl helps concentrate the stone fruit and floral aromatics. For cocktail-adjacent pairings, consider a \u003cstrong\u003eSauvignon Blanc Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water to complement the Musqué florals; a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built around peach and ginger to echo the wine's natural flavor profile; or a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using this wine in place of Champagne for a richer, tropically inflected take on the classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who thinks they don't like California Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a seated dinner party with shellfish or poultry courses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a vertical tasting alongside other Merry Edwards vintages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone with an acclaimed, collectible American white wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e This wine leads with ripe mango, peach, and dried apricot, layered over candied ginger, lemongrass, and lemon zest, all carried by a creamy, medium-bodied texture with bright acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc compare to Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Critics frequently cite Merry Edwards and Spottswoode as the two finest Sauvignon Blancs produced in America. While Spottswoode tends toward a more mineral, Bordeaux-inspired profile, Merry Edwards leans into tropical fruit intensity and lees-driven richness from its Sauvignon Musqué component and barrel fermentation regimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a Sauvignon Blanc designed for focused attention rather than casual sipping, with the complexity and textural weight to hold its own without food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Merry Edwards Winery in the Russian River Valley AVA of Sonoma County, California, a region prized for its cool morning fog and warm afternoon sun, which allow full flavor development while retaining natural acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dungeness crab or lobster with drawn butter mirrors the wine's creamy texture. Roasted chicken with herbs complements the stone fruit and ginger notes. Fresh goat cheese echoes the acidity. Seared scallops with a citrus beurre blanc aligns with the grapefruit and lemon zest character. Thai-style coconut shrimp plays well with the tropical aromatics and lemongrass undercurrent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size for this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Positioned as a premium California Sauvignon Blanc, it sits well above entry-level offerings but justifies the investment through its unique clone selection, labor-intensive barrel fermentation and batonnage program, and consistent critical acclaim — including 91 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e for this 2021 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the broader Sauvignon Blanc category is the uncommon use of Sauvignon Musqué — a clone that contributes pronounced floral and tropical aromatics rarely found in American expressions of the grape. The twice-weekly batonnage during four months of sur lie aging in French oak creates a textural weight that most Sauvignon Blancs simply cannot match without sacrificing freshness. Merry Edwards, a winemaker with over five decades of experience in Russian River Valley, treats this varietal with the seriousness and cellar investment typically reserved for top-tier Chardonnay. The result is a wine that consistently earns critical recognition and stands as a benchmark for what California Sauvignon Blanc can achieve when ambition matches terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merry Edwards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837445009577,"sku":"27274","price":45.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Merry-Edwards-Sauvingon-Blanc__13595.jpg?v=1730482554"},{"product_id":"merry-edwards-sonoma-pinot-noir-2021","title":"Merry Edwards Sonoma Pinot Noir 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerry Edwards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14% ABV California Pinot Noir from one of Sonoma County's most respected winemakers. This vintage earned 94 points from James Suckling and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, reinforcing Merry Edwards Winery's reputation as a benchmark producer for the varietal in the Sonoma Coast appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California  |  Vintage: 2021  |  Winery: Merry Edwards Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMerry Edwards is widely regarded as a pioneer of Pinot Noir winemaking in Sonoma County. She developed and propagated the \"Merry Edwards selection\" Pinot Noir clone, formally designated UCD 37, which has become one of the most widely planted clones in the Russian River Valley and beyond. The 2021 Sonoma Coast bottling draws on small-berried vine clones selected to maximize the skin-to-juice ratio, intensifying color, flavor concentration, and structural tannin. The wine is 100% Pinot Noir, aged in oak with a cork closure, and lands in a medium-bodied style that balances richness with coastal acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark cherry and blackberry lead the nose, followed by layers of black tea, sandalwood, and a subtle floral lift of rose petal. With time in the glass, dried fig and pomegranate notes emerge alongside hints of cassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth with firm, well-integrated tannins that frame complex layers of Bing cherry, cocoa powder, and red raspberry. Mid-palate, bergamot tea, dried herbs, and a gentle vanilla-cinnamon spice from oak aging add depth. A vivid core of orange-peel acidity keeps the wine juicy and structured rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Refreshing acidity carries through a long, elegantly tapering finish. Lingering impressions of dried plum, rose petal, and subtle cocoa remain well after the last sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Merry Edwards Pinot Noir\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows its full complexity when served slightly below room temperature, around 60–64°F, in a wide-bowled Burgundy glass. It drinks beautifully on its own and does not need decanting, though 20–30 minutes of air can further open the floral and spice layers. For cocktail-adjacent pairings, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with stone fruit and citrus for a seasonal punch; a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and an orange twist, where its bright acidity shines; or a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e variation, though many will prefer to save a wine of this caliber for straight enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Pinot Noir enthusiast who values Sonoma Coast terroir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course dinner featuring duck, lamb, or mushroom-forward dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for 5–8 years to explore how the 2021 vintage evolves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a comparative tasting of premium Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Merry Edwards Pinot Noir taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir led by dark cherry, cocoa powder, and raspberry flavors, supported by firm tannins and a vibrant streak of citrus-like acidity. Sandalwood, dried herbs, and subtle oak spice add complexity beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Merry Edwards Pinot Noir compare to Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are highly regarded Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs, but Merry Edwards tends toward richer fruit concentration and a more textured mid-palate, partly due to the proprietary UCD 37 clone. Dutton-Goldfield often emphasizes a leaner, more mineral-driven style, making the two complementary choices for anyone exploring the appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Merry Edwards Pinot Noir good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the 2021 vintage's balance of ripe fruit, integrated tannins, and lively acidity makes it an ideal wine to drink on its own without food. Slightly chilling the bottle to around 60°F highlights its aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Merry Edwards Pinot Noir made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Merry Edwards Winery is located in Sebastopol, in the heart of Sonoma County, California. The Sonoma Coast bottling sources fruit from vineyards within the Sonoma Coast AVA, a cool-climate appellation shaped by fog and Pacific Ocean influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Merry Edwards Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted duck breast, where the wine's cherry fruit echoes the meat's richness; wild mushroom risotto, which mirrors the earthy, herbal undertones; grilled salmon, complemented by the wine's bright acidity; aged Gruyère or Comté cheese, whose nutty depth pairs with the oak spice; and herb-crusted rack of lamb, where rosemary and thyme harmonize with the wine's dried-herb notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Merry Edwards Pinot Noir come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle. Larger formats may be available in limited quantities depending on the vintage, but 750ml is the primary offering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Merry Edwards Pinot Noir worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Merry Edwards positions as a premium Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and its consistent critical acclaim — 94 points from James Suckling and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast for the 2021 vintage — places it among the top wines in its price tier. The proprietary clone, meticulous vine selection, and multi-decade track record justify its standing for collectors and serious Pinot Noir drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Merry Edwards Pinot Noir?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of California Pinot Noir starts in the vineyard: the UCD 37 clone that Merry Edwards herself helped develop is a genuinely distinctive viticultural contribution, not a marketing talking point. The 2021 vintage translated that material into a wine that earned 94 points from James Suckling and 93 from Wine Enthusiast, confirming the consistency that has defined this label for decades. The Sonoma Coast AVA's cool maritime climate gives the wine a tension between ripe dark fruit and bracing acidity that many warmer-climate Pinots cannot replicate. For anyone building a collection of benchmark American Pinot Noirs, this bottling belongs on the short list.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merry Edwards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837794906281,"sku":"30006","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Merry-Edwards-Sonoma-Pinot-Noir__26449.jpg?v=1730494754"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/merry-edwards.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}