Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2023
(Sonoma County, California)

Winemaker's Notes:

We began making our Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc in 2001, and we have lovingly reproduced this delicious wine each vintage since. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden follows specific protocols, including fermentation in French oak barrels and twice-weekly lees stirring, to craft this aromatic, lush bottling. The nose of the 2023 vintage features fragrant tropical aromas of white pineapple, passionfruit, mango and guava, with subtle hints of plumeria, lemon curd and lime zest. The palate is clean and bright, with accents of ruby red grapefruit, honeysuckle and ripe melon followed by a burst of crisp, refreshing acidity.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Spectator (2022 vintage):
"A stunning white, this leaps out of the glass with aromatic mango, orange blossom and salted ripe melon flavors. Gains complexity from grilled peach, lemon oil, savory litsea oil and toasted herb elements, with a fleshy, creamy texture and fresh acidity. Drink now through 2029. 15,000 cases made." - MaryAnn Worobiec (Apr 2024)

94 Points - Decanter (2022 vintage):
"Super expressive nose of white peach lemongrass, orange blossoms and vanillin. Terrifically rich from lees ageing, with supple fruit redolent of citrus, pear, and yellow apple. Intensely mineral-driven on the medium to full-bodied finish, with chalky crushed stones framed by racy acidity, which resolves through fresh floral and honeysuckle notes. Quite delicious. Whole-cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged sur lie in 19% new French oak for five months." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2024)

94 Points - Tasting Panel (2022 vintage):
Barrel fermented and aged sur lie for five months in (18% new) French oak, the wine glistens with Meyer lemon and honeydew. Pineapple, gardenia, and sweet basil line the palate, lending a zingy profile to a finish of salty minerality."

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2022 vintage):
"A bright silver color, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley is an exuberant white with lots of personality in its aromas of quince, citrus blossoms, and fresh chive, as well as softer floral and tropical tones with flinty lift. Medium to full-bodied, it has a rounded and supple texture. A wine with a cult following, this is in a great place now but should provide an open window over the coming 6-8 years." - Audrey Frick (June 2024)

92 Points - James Suckling (2022 vintage):
"A layered and creamy white with melon, apple puree and hints of kiwi. Medium body, creamy, and lovely al dente finish. Just a hint of sweetness. Drink now." (Dec 2023)

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2022 vintage):
"Fruit forward and generous in texture, this easy-sipping wine is relatively soft in terms of acidity, full in body and soaked with good apple and honeydew melon flavors that last through a lingering, slightly tangy finish." - Jim Gordon (Mar 2024)