2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Meredith Estate Russian River Valley

The flagship wine of the estate, the 2021 Pinot Noir Meredith Estate is a blend of different clones from a vineyard planted in 1998. Its aromas lift with notes of wet stones, blackberries, and fresh sage. Full-bodied, it has refined tannins, although it’s certainly structured. It’s in its youthful baby fat stage, so I would prefer to hold this one for a few years in cellar and check in on it when it’s matured and leans into its more tertiary characteristics. Drink 2026-2040. It hasn’t been certified, but this is their first organic vineyard. It is an exciting period for this estate, as they are now starting to release the first few vintages produced since Merry Edwards’ retirement in 2000. Heidi Von Der Mehden joined as her successor in 2015, working closely alongside the founder for five years leading up to her departure. In 2019, the estate was purchased by the exceptional Champagne house of Louis Roederer. While long-time fans of the estate will continue to have their go-to wines in the range from the Russian River Valley, the estate has also been expanding north into the Anderson Valley, and those wines are fantastic additions to the estate’s portfolio, offering a lot of finesse and nuance.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Meredith Estate is a terrific example of the house style. Bold and forward, with tons of textural depth, the 2021 also possesses superb balance. Black cherry, plum, espresso, menthol, licorice and cloves are some of the notes that build in this glass. Even with all of its textural intensity, the Meredith retains very good freshness and verve.