Wine Reviews

This vineyard was named for three important men in Merry Edwards’ life: Warren Dutton, who first leased Merry this hilltop vineyard in 2009; Warren Arnold, a well-known sculptor and longtime friend; and Merry’s son Warren, who passed away in 2006. These grapes now hail from 12-year-old vines off the Windsor Garden clone and aged for nine months in 53% new French oak. It’s an inky-purple-black hued beauty with aromas of forest floor kissed by ripe cherry. Deep and luscious, with German chocolate cake with extended note of ripe cherry, and grilled meat. It possesses an earthy nature that rises on mid-palate, with lavender accenting its velvet-lined tannins.

This is the winery’s first single-vineyard Sauv Blanc from two acres off their flagship Meredith Estate. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden fermented 30% in amphora and the remainder in neutral oak, with on-going lees stirring for five months. The Musqué clone adds floral tones to an enlightened pink grapefruit entry on angel wings. The gossamer mouthfeel has a melting effect on salted pears, pineapple, jasmine, and elderflower. In fact, the floral presence is so prevalent, aromas blossom with each sip.

Italian herbs season fresh notes of cranberry and tart red cherry. High-toned acidity and white pepper engages the palate with dusty tannins. A juicy finish leaves behind concentrated notes of rhubarb and roses.

Fresh peach aromas and flavors are impressive, with a medium weighted mouthfeel and lingering finish of gardenia and lime chiffon.

There’s so much personality here, one of the best our team has tasted in this category. Cranberry, vanilla, rose petals, and tangerine converge for a pleasurable quaff.

The Pais variety was the first to arrive in Chile in the 16th century. This sparkler displays a pinch of salinity and a lick of wet stone, garnering a shiny spotlight on the palate. Peach, orange creamsicle, and spring wild lowers burst from its tiny bubbles.

This is her first foray, co-crafting a Sonoma Valley Cabernet, with vintner Adam Lee. Sourced in the east side of the valley, an extended area of Moon Mountain, the extended growing season had the grapes harvested in late October. Aged in 60% new French oak for 16 months and bottled without fining or filtration. Its hue is inky black-purple, delivering concentrated power with teeth-grabbing tannins at first sip. As it opens, attention-getting flavors of dusty rose, dark chocolate, gardenia, and black raspberry ganache create a textural tenderness. Spice pierces sandalwood and coffee on the long finish.

This is the first vineyard from which Moret-Brealynn sourced. For this vintage, she used native fermentation, completed after 17 on the skins. Aged in 100% new French oak for 10 months, from three different cooperages. Black raspberry unveils on the palate with sweet basil, white pepper, and rose petals. Gloriously fresh, fragrant, and sensual.