2020 Merry Edwards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir [JS93][JD93][WE92][W&S92][D92][WA90]

"Aromas of spiced cherry, plum and fresh mint. Medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. An interesting, well-balanced mix of fresh red and black fruit and savory spice. Good concentration. Drink or hold." 

"The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is ripe with raspberry candy, crushed rose petal, and turned earth. The tannins in the 2020 are a touch more present and emerge on the finish, and it also has more warmth. Drink this over the next 10 years." 

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points 

"This broad and plummy wine offers abundant red and black fruit flavors, a smooth texture and good underlying balance. Moderate acidity and tannins give a little bite that perks up the considerable strawberry and black plum flavors." 

Wine & Spirits, 92 Points 

"A wine with a clear shape and direction, this has a mouthwatering acidity that lifts the puff-pastry scents of oak and the rich purple berry fruit. Tannins give that fruit restraint and structure, lasting on wild-blueberry depths. It softens with air to notes of menthol and persimmon, gentle and giving." 

Decanter, 92 Points 

"Pinot Noir grapes are de-stemmed, and whole berries are added to the fermenter for a seven-day cold soak, aged 10 months in 20% new French oak. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden says the aim is for red fruit and earth notes coupled with brighter acidity and brighter tannins, and this 2021 release showcases many of those qualities. Leads with crunchy red fruits all laced with cedar spices, and there are plenty of fresh, earthy pine forest notes to remind us we’re on the Sonoma Coast, where vineyards are surrounded by by fog-soaked woodlands. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s undoubtedly a fuller expression of Pinot Noir laden with black cherry, cocoa nibs and an orange peel freshness framed by ironstone minerals, bay laurel and sagebrush." 

Wine Advocate, 90 Points 

"The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is scented of wild berry jam, blueberries, juniper and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a firm, slightly rustic texture, understated fruits and rounded freshness."