Wine Reviews

94

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino Co. ($55)

Cherries dipped in dark chocolate light up the palate, its tart and sweet tones coinciding with white-peppered roses and pansies. Cinnamon and cranberry, with a hint of vanilla truffle, engage, and lead to a juicy finish.

96

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Dach Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Mendocino Co. ($77)

Dach’s (pronounced “Dash”) northeast-southwest facing aspect and marine influence has an impact on this intense beauty. Graphite and iron are unmasked and weaved into violets, lavender, and dried leaves. High acidity and mild tannins reveal prominent notes of plum, while coastal salinity and soil play a role on the finish.

95

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Georganne Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($72)

Dark, bold fruit makes a statement for this wine. And if the lavender and jasmine don’t grab your attention at first, smashed boysenberry, rhubarb, and spiced cedar certainly will. Generously coating the mouth with crushed, concentrated berries, notes of beef broth intensifies, with vanilla leading the path on the finish.

94

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($65)

Deep, ripe cherry demands attention, coated with vanilla, candied apple, and tilled soil. Brightly lit with a racy acid structure, the palate is soothed with sweet basil, red licorice, and vanilla oak.

94

Minus Tide 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vine View Ranch, Yorkville Highlands AVA, Mendocino ($60)

A high-elevation Cab sitting at 1,500 feet, its character speaks to a linear arrangement of mint, spiced mulberry, dried oregano, spiced mulberry, and plum liqueur. Chalky tannins and a frisky acidity lend a hand at its upright nature, but floral tones on the finish add length to its dynamic finish.

93

Morét-Brealynn 2024 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($52)

A bounty of red berries, vanilla, and cinnamon-spiced cedar, Juicy, rich, and delicious, with a whisper of mineral tones carried to the finish.

93

Morgan 2021 2021 Cotes du Crow’s Red Blend, Monterey ($22)

The aromas of this red blend are inviting, teeming with fresh-off-the-vine strawberries and bramble fruit, alongside hints of rose petals and blood orange. The oak is seamlessly integrated with a luxurious mouthfeel, crunchy red fruit and an energetic charge from start to finish.

92

Morgan 2023 G17 Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands ($27)

This Syrah is lip-smacking, evoking the tell-tale characteristics of the variety with aged-meat and pepper evenly layered with blue and red fruits. Aged for nine months in French oak, the tannins showcase its muscular physique with a dry, herbal quality that makes this a gastronomic delight.