2021 Merry Edwards Richaven Pinot Noir [D94][WE94][JS93][JD93]

Producer: Merry Edwards  
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California 
Varietal: Pinot Noir  
Year: 2021 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"From the Richaven Vineyard, planted in 2015, close to the winery's Meredith Estate. 100% de-stemmed with whole-berry fermentation of the UCD37 Clone (the Merry Edwards Selection), a cold soak for six days, and ageing for nine months in 50% new French oak. Bottled August 2022. This is a rich, explosive Pinot Noir with unabashed opulent aromas of black cherry, fig preserves, and dark toasted cedarwood with hints of dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied with very ripe dark berry fruits and palate-etching tannins that resolve with warming, mulled spices and perfumed notes. Smoky clove and cedar round out this densely compact wine, which, for all its decadence, does manage to retain energy and drive, pushing style and ripeness over site specificity. Speaking, however, it's quite delicious." 

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points 

"Deeply colored in the glass, this wine explodes with crushed black cherry, raspberry and quince aromas. The palate is structured, with a wealth of powerful tannin balanced by orange peel acidity and flavors of macerated Bing cherry compote, cardamom, sassafras and black pepper. This should blossom wonderfully with just a few years in the cellar." 

James Suckling, 93 Points 

"Aromas of black cherries, red plums and potpourri followed by ground kola nuts, black tea leaves with underlying cocoa powder notes. Rose petal and bergamot. Medium-bodied, silky tannins with moderate acidity. Delightful yet shows some structure and has a nice crunchiness at the end. Intense flavors. From the vines planted in 2015. Drink or hold." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points 

"A new vineyard for the estate, planted to Merry’s clone in 2015 on a plot around her house, the 2021 Pinot Noir Richaven Vineyard pours a dark ruby/magenta color and is dark-fruited with black cherry, smoky incense, and pine needles. This is a big wine that lovers of the old-style Merry Edwards wines will gravitate to. Full-bodied, it fills the palate and is rounded throughout. It’s a bit more hedonistic, but it’s not overblown and has a great finish. This is going to be a vineyard from the estate to watch as the vines develop." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The Richaven Vineyard was planted in 2015 near the vineyard that is the foundation of our winery, Meredith Estate. Using the experience we have gained over many years from Meredith Estate, we have taken our winegrowing to the next level, and the resulting wines from Richaven have fine structure and compelling tannins. This inviting vintage offers aromas of warm fruit compote, dark plum, wet stone, leather and black pepper. Velvety and concentrated on entry, this wine builds to a crescendo on the palate, offering black cherries, plum skin and dark chocolate. Silky tannins linger on the persistent finish." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.