2012 Merry Edwards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Merry Edwards Winery is in the Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County. It was founded in 1997 when long-time California winemaker Merry Edwards started making her own wines on 24 acres in the Russian River Valley. Edwards started her career in 1974 at Mount Eden Vineyards and over the years has worked for Napa Valley producers and has been a consultant for many West Coast producers. Edwards and her husband Ken Coopersmith completed a state-of-the-art winery in 2008. They produce primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.