2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Coopersmith

More in line with the Richaven in style, the 2021 Pinot Noir Coopersmith pours a dark red/purple color and opens to mineral-tinged aromas of graphite, blackberries, mocha, and violets. Medium to full-bodied, it’s plush with ripe tannins and long on the palate, with a rich core of fruit and a pleasing mineral accent on the finish. It’s quite plush and will benefit from another couple of years. Drink 2025-2035. It is an exciting period for this estate, as they are now starting to release the first few vintages produced since Merry Edwards’ retirement in 2000. Heidi Von Der Mehden joined as her successor in 2015, working closely alongside the founder for five years leading up to her departure. In 2019, the estate was purchased by the exceptional Champagne house of Louis Roederer. While long-time fans of the estate will continue to have their go-to wines in the range from the Russian River Valley, the estate has also been expanding north into the Anderson Valley, and those wines are fantastic additions to the estate’s portfolio, offering a lot of finesse and nuance.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Coopersmith is one of the more complete wines in this range from Merry Edwards. Brisk acids play off a core of dark-toned fruit, chocolate, sweet spice, leather and menthol. The 2021 has plenty to offer, but another year or two in bottle will only help the elements come together more fully.