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 Merry Edwards approaches life with graceful intensity. When sampling grapes in the vineyard, hand pruning her cherished roses, preparing dinner for her family, running the rapids on the Colorado River — in whatever she does, Merry balances intellect with intuition. Each wine she makes benefits from her precision and perception of subtlety and elegance.
During her thirty-three year winemaking career, Merry has earned the universal respect of winemaking peers, grape growers and academicians. A self-described perfectionist, she has constantly refined her vineyard practices, wines and techniques. Merry does not rest on her laurels; she grows.
 Merry Edwards Wines
Merry Edwards describes her winemaking as “rooted in the vineyard”. One of the first California winemakers to recognize the impact of clonal selection on wine aroma, texture and quality, Merry continues to study and experiment with clones. She draws upon her research and practical experience, selecting Pinot Noir clones that contribute to her wines' complexity and intensity. “Many of the clones undergoing development in Burgundy almost 30 years ago are available today in America. What’s more, I find that some of the classic California clones and field selections —such as Martini, Swan and the Merry Edwards selection from Mount Eden — excel here in the Russian River Valley.” In 1997 Merry Edwards and her partners launched Merry Edwards wines, allowing her to focus her winemaking on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir while planting her own vineyard with this seductive grape. Since the beginning of her career in 1973, Merry has longed to plant her own vineyard. She has a passion for growing things, for working the soil. “The finest wines are crafted from the ground up,” Merry says. “Meticulous and timely viticultural practices are critical when making Pinot Noir.” In 1996 she purchased twenty-four acres of sloping hillside on the southern border of Russian River Valley, intent on growing luscious Pinot Noir on this promising site. Early in 1997, Merry met entrepreneur Bill Bourke, a founding investor in Chalone and Ravenswood wineries; they formed a partnership to develop Meredith Estate vineyard and Merry Edwards wines.
 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Klopp 2003
At Klopp Ranch big fruit flavors are born in small-berried grape clusters. They maximized the generous personality of the grapes using Méthode à l’Ancienne techniques including cold soaking, small tank fermentation and frequent punch downs by hand. Ten months in French cooperage, crafted by the best artisans, enriched the wine’s dark fruit character.
The 2003 Klopp is mouthwatering and luscious, its brambling blackberry flavor elegantly accented by cassis. Traditionally the plush, fine-grained tannins develop a velvety sweetness with extended bottle age. Pair this big wine with robust dishes: smoked squab, Moroccan-spiced leg of lamb, or a medallion of fine Kobe beef.
Rated 95 Wine Spectator
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