The Wine Enthusiast says:
Floral and aromas take the lead in this full-bodied, creamy-textured wine that offers a soft mouth-feel and the roundness that comes from aging on the lees. Concentration in peaches melons and a good viscosity help the wine stand out.
And wine writer Owen Bargreen rates this the top vintage ever at 95 points:
Always big and loaded with finesse, the gorgeous 2021 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc is a superlative effort by the talented Heidi von der Mehden. Very soft upon entry, this leads with nutmeg-infused honeydew melon, cashew nut, salted brioche and suggestions of nectarine pie, displaying both a dazzling mineralogy and a downright unctuous texture. Truly a complete wine, enjoy this beauty at a slightly warmer temperature to take in the full range of flavors and aromatics.
As the winery explains:
Our Sauvignon Blanc has a fan club – people who try our Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc for the first time are often moved to reach out to us to share their experience, and we love it. The special care we take to bring out the very best in this variety shows in our results. We use a specific mix of clones – two-thirds Shenandoah (Clone 1) and one-third Sauvignon Musqué – that results in a wine brimming with floral and tropical fruit aromatics with a citrusy, juicy core. Barrel fermentation and twice-weekly lees stirring help us create the characteristic creamy texture and rich body that you’ve come to know and share with your friends and family.
The first swirl in the glass releases fragrances of white peaches, lime zest, delicate white pineapple and ripe stone fruit. Upon entry, the creamy texture is buoyed by bright acidity. Ruby red grapefruit, white blossoms and citrus flowers linger on the seamless finish.
This is always a sensational Sauvignon Blanc. But in 2021 it’s just a bit “extra.”
