Merry Edwards is considered one of the first influential female winemakers in California, beginning her career in the early 1970s when she was winemaker at Mount Eden Vineyards. She is known for her groundbreaking work in clonal selection, helping identify and develop Pinot Noir clones that significantly influenced quality across California vineyards. In 2015, Merry brought on Heidi von der Mehden as associate winemaker and beginning in 2018, Merry handed the title of winemaker over to Heidi.
The Pinot Noirs are just as gorgeous as ever but, recently, it's been their Sauvignon Blanc that has brought a new generation to their doorstep. A distinctive and highly praised Sauvignon Blanc with a richer, more complex style than typical California versions. Over the past two decades, this aromatic, barrel-aged Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc has become among the most sought after and critically acclaimed in California. The combination of techniques used to produce this age-worthy style results in a wine of balance, richness and aromatic complexity. A substantial percentage of the Sauvignon Musqué clone adds floral notes and rich body, complementing the underlying herbal nature of the base wine, all barrel fermented in French oak.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was barrel-fermented and matured in around 18% new oak. It has inviting scents of peach, papaya, tarragon, honey and floral perfume. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and spicy, with a luxurious, mouth-coating texture. It's balanced by bright acidity and has a long, flavorful finish."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley) is a very pretty wine. Apricot, peach, slate, white flowers and chalk open first, followed by tropical overtones that add an exotic touch. The warmer style of the year exalts forward fruit while pushing varietal character into the background just a touch."
JEB DUNNUCK 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley is a bright yellow/silver color and is attractive and open on the nose with aromas of white peach, grapefruit pith, tropical flowers, guava, and elegant spice. Medium-bodied, it has a silky, rounded texture, with ripe fruit filling the palate and just a suggestion of sweetness, while its guava and tropical tones linger through the finish. It’s a charming and well-detailed, lush Sauvignon Blanc to drink over the coming 5-7 years. Drink 2026-2033."
The Pinot Noirs are just as gorgeous as ever but, recently, it's been their Sauvignon Blanc that has brought a new generation to their doorstep. A distinctive and highly praised Sauvignon Blanc with a richer, more complex style than typical California versions. Over the past two decades, this aromatic, barrel-aged Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc has become among the most sought after and critically acclaimed in California. The combination of techniques used to produce this age-worthy style results in a wine of balance, richness and aromatic complexity. A substantial percentage of the Sauvignon Musqué clone adds floral notes and rich body, complementing the underlying herbal nature of the base wine, all barrel fermented in French oak.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was barrel-fermented and matured in around 18% new oak. It has inviting scents of peach, papaya, tarragon, honey and floral perfume. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and spicy, with a luxurious, mouth-coating texture. It's balanced by bright acidity and has a long, flavorful finish."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley) is a very pretty wine. Apricot, peach, slate, white flowers and chalk open first, followed by tropical overtones that add an exotic touch. The warmer style of the year exalts forward fruit while pushing varietal character into the background just a touch."
JEB DUNNUCK 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley is a bright yellow/silver color and is attractive and open on the nose with aromas of white peach, grapefruit pith, tropical flowers, guava, and elegant spice. Medium-bodied, it has a silky, rounded texture, with ripe fruit filling the palate and just a suggestion of sweetness, while its guava and tropical tones linger through the finish. It’s a charming and well-detailed, lush Sauvignon Blanc to drink over the coming 5-7 years. Drink 2026-2033."
