All around the world wine lovers are sipping extra Sauvignon Blanc today in celebration of International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Warm and sunny weather has put us in the mood to pour a splash of Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc and join the fun. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
2018 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County — pale yellow in the glass with aromas of ripe apricot and peach, white flowers and notes of lemongrass. The flavors follow the aromas along with stony minerality, juicy acidity and a lingering floral and cut grass component. There is a bit of weight and texture as well and spice on the finish. 14.2% abv. SRP $36
Merry Edward began her winemaking career in 1974. She was one of an early group to recognize the importance of clonal variation to winemaking in California. She established Merry Edwards Winery in 1977 and has become highly acclaimed for Pinot Noir. Her Russian River Valley winery makes Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
In 2013 Merry was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintners Hall of Fame and won the James Beard Award for Best Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional in the United States. In February 2019 Louis Roederer Champagne purchased Merry Edwards Winery.
Clonal selection plays a part in this delicious, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. 60% of the Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from estate vineyards. The Meredith and Maefield vineyards are still relatively young, they were planted in 2015, but the fruit is of very high quality. Sauvignon Musqué comprises up to 42% of the blend with the balance made up of the Shenandoah clone.
Musqué means perfumed or Muscat-like and is applied to clones of grape varieties that are highly aromatic. In this case, Sauvignon Musqué is a highly aromatic mutation of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. As I sit writing this post the generous stone fruit and floral aromas remain generous from this gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc as it sits in my glass.
This wine is barrel fermented in Tonnellerie Cadus oak barrels, 18% new, with lees stirring for six months. That’s responsible for the luxurious, round mouthfeel of this Sauvignon Blanc.
I must admit I’m very picky about Sauvignon Blanc. Much of it doesn’t suit my palate. I’m just not a fan of the tart gooseberry style of Sauvignon Blanc that is so popular, though I firmly believe we should all sip the style that we prefer. That said, this is a style of Sauvignon Blanc I enjoy. The roundness, stone fruit, floral components nicely balance that cut grass component.
2018 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect sip for International Sauvignon Blanc Day or anytime you want a gorgeous, crisp SB to pair with roasted chicken and broccoli rabe, which is how we enjoyed with this lovely Sauv Blanc.
The tasting room at Merry Edwards Winery is closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but wine is available for purchase from the website, by email or phone and is available for curbside pickup with prior arrangement. See the website for details.
Cheers!
