At a glance

Producer

Merry Edwards Winery

Region

Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$75-140 (USD) depending on vineyard designate and market provenance

Tasting profile

Aromas of dried cherry, forest floor, subtle earth, mushroom, rose; palate shows mellowed red berry, savory spices, soft tannins, and a persistent, evolving finish.

Evolution: Transitioned from vibrant red fruit to dried fruit, more earthiness, leather, tea leaf, and integrated oak; structure now gently softened.

At peak: Had expressive fruit, balanced acid, and floral notes during peak; now shifting toward tertiary characteristics.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus; may have softened now

Tannins

Silky, fine, fully integrated

Alcohol

Moderate (typically 13.5-14.5%)

Aging potential

10-12 years maximum for primary character, longer for structure and tertiary notes

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2018

Optimal window

2012 to 2020

Current status

At or past peak but can show well; close to end of optimal drinking window for most cellar examples.

Current condition

Developed, tertiary aromas emerging, integrated tannins, some freshness may remain if well stored.

Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, especially from Merry Edwards’ hands, is known for cellaring well for a decade, but most 2009s are now at or just past their prime. Tertiary notes add complexity, but fading primary fruit and freshness signal the end of the optimal window. Bottles from pristine storage may still offer elegance, while some may show advanced age.

Food pairing

Mature roast duck, mushroom risotto, aged Gruyère, herb-stuffed pork tenderloin, or wild salmon with earthy accompaniments.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Integrated pest management, solar panel use for winery operations, water recycling, composting, light-weight eco glass bottles, recycled packaging, native vegetation preservation.

Merry Edwards was a leader in sustainable winemaking for California in the 2000s, adopting CSWA standards and investing in renewable energy. Vineyard sources are sustainably farmed with selected SIP Certification (not all sites), but not fully organic or biodynamic. Sustainable packaging and eco-initiatives are above industry average, though carbon cost is higher abroad. Overall, strong sustainability performance for a mid-size premium producer of the era.