2006 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir

Winemaker's Comments

It takes many years to coax from a single vineyard its core personality – the ultimate expression of character that can be consistently repeated, harvest after harvest. I have been privileged to work with Pinot Noir from Olivet Lane for nearly two decades.

During that time there have been seasons both early and late, crop loads have fluctuated and viticultural practices have improved. In the late 90’s these venerable old vines were converted to a vertical trellis. Severe hedging was discontinued and early deficit irrigation was implemented.We have experimented with cold soaking times and temperatures, yeasts, percentage of whole clusters, extended maceration and an array of cooperage. From all of this we have learned how to encourage the terroir of this vineyard to fully reveal itself.

My annual challenge is to interpret its nature much as a sculptor would discover the inner being captured in a piece of Carrara Marble.For those of us who have fallen in love with Olivet Lane, it is the focus that is so compelling. The purity of cherry fruit in all its forms – Bing, Black, Queen Anne and chocolate-dipped – is celebrated in the aroma of this garnet-hued beauty. This wine acts as a sponge, demanding nearly 80 percent new French oak each vintage, yet imparting only a hint of nutmeg. The most elegant of our Pinots, this regal wine is soft and velvety on the palate, leaving an enduring finish to savor.

Critical Acclaim

95 points

"Olivet Lane has long been a benchmark Pinot for Merry. The '07 vintage provides a beautiful example of Olivet Lane at its best. With a pure black cherry and spice nose and a subtle hint of the earth, the aromas simply pull you into the glass. On the palate the silky tannins remind you this is one of the stars of California Pinot Noir. And the complex layers of fruit and hedonistic opulence are further evidence that this is one outstanding Pinot Noir vineyard in the hands of a Pinot Noir genius." Robert Whitley, Wine Review Online, Nov. 6, 2009

19 out of 20 points

"The most elegant of Edwards' many fine Pinots, it charms with cherry fruit, silky tannins, subtle barrel spice and a ballerina-like dance on the palate." Decanter California 2010, Vintage Report, Murphy's Pick

Friday the 13th Is Your Lucky Day!

2006 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir

Merry Edwards Wines