2004 Merry Edwards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Merry Edwards has been in the wine industry for a long time. She had a run at Mount Eden Winery in 1974, received acclaim while making wine at Matanzas Creek Winery, had a rise and fall in the 80’s with the family run Merry Vintners, consulted for a while, and finally started and has stayed at her now acclaimed winery in 1997. Merry has built her success on the finicky Pinot Noir grape, which grows exceptionally well on the Sonoma Coast. She is also one of the pioneering California winemakers that experimented with different Pinot Noir clones, thanks to a funded trip to France before starting work at Matanzas Creek.
Merry proceeded to the University of Beaune where a major study of Pinot Noir clones was underway. She surveyed the experimental vineyards, and the nuances of clonal variation captured Merry’s attention.
Now this winery receives accolades every year and is even being filmed this vintage by the Wine Spectator Video Program.
Here are my notes on just one of her many offerings of Pinot Noir.
Wine: Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Vintage: 2004
ABV: 14.1%
Price: $30 (buy)
Notes: A lovely light cherry red color, this wine is very fragrant, offering hints of tobacco, cherry, and oak, with a tannic mouthfeel that reminds one of green tea. The wine is medium to full bodied, and would definitely benefit from some more time in bottle. Hints of mushrooms, rock and more red fruit on the palate come together in this nice wine.
Score: 90 pts JAT
Website: www.merryedwards.com
