Grape: Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes:  Black plum, Cassis, Wet slate, Black tea

Ms. Edwards is one of California's pioneer woman winemaker with a career that began in the '70's. She opened her eponymous named winery in 1997 but in the late 1970's, while building Matanzas Creek from scratch, Merry developed a unique style of Sauvignon Blanc, the model for her own wildly successful and highly regarded varietal wine today.

Merry Edwards has been called the queen of Pinot producing a multitude of outstanding single vineyard Pinots as well as this appellation blend. This Pinot is an assemblage of half a dozen different Pinot Noir vineyards within the Russian River Valley area. It's medium-full in body, well balanced with integrated tannins and bright acidity. There's a potpourri of flavors including black fruits, cherry, raspberry, cassis, black tea, earth, mineral, spice, and floral notes. Lamb Tikka Masala, pairs beautifully with the exotic spices and herbs present in this Pinot. Another option would be broiled rib chops.