Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2020

94 points James Suckling: "An aromatic nose of stone fruit, fresh tropical fruit and jasmine. Full-bodied with a nice,oily texture. Fruity and lightly honeyed on the palate. Lavender and lily. Steely. Loire-like. Always an excellent sauvignon blanc. Drink or hold. (Apr 2022)"

92 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is fruity and refreshing. "We did a lot of whole cluster pressing," winemaker Heidi von der Mehden responds when I ask about new approaches in 2020 in response to wildfires. "I think it helped with the texture of the wine and took out a bit of bitterness" she continues. "It started as a logistical decision in 2020, but we liked it, so we will continue to do more whole cluster pressing moving forward." It's a significant dedication to quality for one of their largest cuvées, and the 2020 also contains about 60% estate fruit. This Sauvignon Blanc offers pretty aromas of elderflower, white peaches, lime peel and kiwi with touches of baker's yeast and alluring floral perfume. The palate is medium-bodied and flavorful, with notable concentration and freshness that will broaden its appeal at the table. Drink: 2022-2027. (Jul 2022)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "A smooth and silky white, showing spicy details of nutmeg and quince that are joined by pure, ripe honeydew melon and cantaloupe flavors. Pear, lemon zest and apricot notes are elegant, lithe and nicely juicy on the finish. Drink now through 2015. (7/31/12)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley jumps out the glass with pristine ripe tropical fruit including guava, fresh white flowers, and grapefruit pith. The palate is ripe with sweet pink grapefruit candy, light vanilla spice, and sweet peach. Soft and rounded, the riper style of the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc makes it approachable now or over the next 6 years. Drink: 2022-2028. (8/2/22)"

Producer notes: "Two primary estates – Meredith Vineyard and Maefield Vineyard – provide the backbone for the wine, and we have planted the mix of clones we need – two-thirds are Sauvignon Blanc Clone 1, known as Shenandoah, and one-third Sauvignon Musqué. The Sauvignon Musqué adds floral notes and rich body, complementing the underlying herbal nature of Shenandoah. This wine is barrel fermented in 18 percent new French oak and stirred on the lees twice-weekly for six months to build creamy texture and impart of notes of sweet oak. This lively wine with a golden-green hue sports an aromatic nose of tangerine, guava, honeydew and cantaloupe melons along with notes of white blossoms and marzipan. On the palate, sweet oak is balanced by crisp acidity, with a juicy finish featuring a splash of zesty grapefruit."