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2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5L Magnum)

Winemaker's Comments

Merry often refers to this appellation blend as the core Pinot Noir in our portfolio. An assemblage of half a dozen different Pinot Noir vineyards within the Russian River Valley area, the wine showcases the art of blending. The 2018 vintage aged in 52 percent new French oak for nine months, allowing the wine time to rest on the lees, gaining depth and mouthfeel. This regime has led to a Pinot Noir of great balance, foretelling of a long life ahead.

This brilliant, burgundy-hued wine immediately offers up fragrances of mixed berries, Bing cherry, cola, candied violets and black tea along with exotic spices and dried herbs. On the palate, there is a compelling mix of broad tannins and minerality, along with a seductive measure of smoky oak balanced with juicy acidity. Black plum, brambleberry, cassis and wet slate create a layered and lingering finish.

We carefully selected a dish to pair with this wine that is made using one of the most popular preparations in the world, tikka masala. Veena Gregoire, wife of one of our tasting hosts, Ryan, submitted Lamb Tikka Masala, which pairs beautifully with the exotic spices and herbs present in this Pinot. It makes a lovely spring or summer meal with fresh steamed vegetables and jasmine rice. For her tantalizing entry, Veena will be awarded a magnum of the 2018 Russian River Valley Pinot. You can read about this dish in the recipe section at merryedwards.com.

Critical Acclaim

94 points
"Supple in tannin and earthy in black tea, this appellation wine is delicious, with depth and freshness. Lively acidity boosts a core of dark cherry, pomegranate and cherry—the fruit well contrasted in nutmeg and clove."
Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast "Best of Year" Issue, January 2021
 
92 points
"The 2018 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a fabulous introduction to these wines. Bright and juicy, the 2018 captures all of the natural radiance of the Russian River while retaining terrific nuance and vibrancy. Ripe red/purplish fruit, rose petal, spice and mint all race out of the glass. Perfumed floral notes resonate on the finish. The 2018 is so delicious - it is the sort of bottle that is opened and then immediately finished."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, August 2020
 
95 points
"Best known for its vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs, Merry Edwards also gets stunning results from its appellation-specific Pinot, in this case from the Russian River Valley. This weighty Pinot Noir opens on the nose with an intriguing floral note, followed on the palate by expressive layers of cherry and raspberry. With firm but beautifully integrated tannins, it is an impressive example of a powerful Pinot built for the long haul yet ready to drink now."
Robert Whitley, Wine Review Online, August 2020

 

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Recipes

Veena Gregoire, wife of one of our tasting hosts, Ryan, submitted this recipe for Lamb Tikka Masala, which pairs beautifully with the exotic spices and herbs present in our Russian River Pinot.
 
Merry's husband, Ken, loves vegetables, so she came up with a hearty Minestrone Stew to pair with our 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot.

 

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2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5L Magnum)