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Merry Edwards Wines

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2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker's Comments

The unusual style of our Sauvignon Blanc has been created by a confluence of factors. A key component of this wine is the highly floral Sauvignon Musqué selection from Sancerre, which comprises one-third of the blend. The Shenandoah clone balances this out nicely with its classic herbal, somewhat grassy character. For the first time, a substantial proportion of grapes were harvested from our own young estate vineyards — nearly 30 percent. Full fermentation in barrels crafted by Tonnellerie Cadus, 18 percent new, moderates green flavors. Elevage in barrel also allows for our biweekly lees-stirring protocol, vital to developing rich mouthfeel.

The bright, shimmering, green-gold hue of this Sauvignon Blanc is a visual overture to a striking personality. Its enticing aroma is highly perfumed with honeysuckle, citrus blossom, white rose and gardenia. Honeydew melon, nectarine, ripe Rainier cherry, tangerine, Kaffir lime and summer hay add complexity, along with hints of sweet oak and toasted hazelnut. On the palate, vibrant acidity is finely balanced with a rich, creamy mouthfeel creating a unique textural experience — reminiscent of a refreshing blood orange sorbet. The finish is broad and lingers with sweet pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon zest.

Critical Acclaim

97 points

"Merry’s Sauvignon is arguably one of the two finest Sauvignon Blancs made in America (Spottswoode being the other) and this vintage, her swan song as winemaker at her namesake winery, is a brilliant wine to end a brilliant career as one of America’s preeminent winemakers. The 2017 is all finesse and flavor, showing notes of white peach, citrus and wood spice. With exquisite balance and impressive length, it is a wine truly worthy of its author’s storied history." Robert Whitley, Wine Review Online, Jan. 1, 2019

94 points

Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Terrific nose, offering a perfume of white rose, pear, white peach, pineapple, spice and a hint of warm straw. Delectable flavors echo the nose with Sauvignon Blanc’s signature grassiness in the background. Slightly creamy in texture with gracious acidity and a floral-embossed finish. This wine is consistently superb in every vintage. My all-time favorite California Sauvignon Blanc it is the one I buy and choose to drink every vintage." Prince of Pinot, Jan. 16, 2019

94 points

"Lush and layered with notes of pineapple, peach, and citrus, this is always one of the definitive Sauvignons of California. Rich, creamy, and balanced, it shows abundant notes of vanilla before the long finish." Anthony Dias Blue, Tasting Panel magazine, January/February 2017

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