Cathy Levy

9.3

Drinking well. Fine Pinot from Williamette Valley. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Merry Edwards – Pinot Noir “Meredith Estate” 2011
Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma – USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
From one of California’s pioneering female winemakers, this estate Pinot Noir highlights the depth and elegance of Russian River Valley fruit. Crafted in the méthode à l’ancienne, it reflects a hands-on, traditional approach that balances richness with finesse.

Aromas & Flavors:
Ripe cherry, black plum, and wild strawberry layered with rose petals, forest floor, and a hint of baking spice. Subtle notes of cocoa and cola emerge with air.

Mouthfeel:
Fuller-bodied than many Pinots, with velvety tannins and remarkable depth. The palate combines juicy red fruit brightness with earthy undertones and a lingering, warm finish.

Food Pairings:
Duck breast with cherry glaze, mushroom risotto, or roasted salmon. For cheese lovers, try with brie or camembert.

Verdict:
A bold and expressive Pinot Noir, showing the hallmark concentration of Merry Edwards’ style. At over a decade old, it has softened beautifully, yet still holds vibrancy and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
A memorable vintage that demonstrates how Russian River Pinot Noir can age gracefully. A true collector’s gem from one of California’s most respected winemakers. — 8 months ago

Jeff Orlowski

9.4

Lovely. Has aged well. Balanced, great fruit. — 5 years ago

with Michael and Joe

Peter Marks

Master of Wine, Educator Constellation Brands

9.2

Inky and rich with dark cherry and sweet plum. Intense throughout, concentrated with firm yet well integrated tannins. Finish is at least a minute long. Fantastic now and will hold at least a decade. — 6 years ago

Bertrand Morin

9.5

Gift from Simon. His friend made this wine. Insanely good. — 7 years ago

Elena Jessie

9.0

Drank on Saturday, June 2, 2018 with Meredith and Jenny — 8 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. The last Rhone varietal red was the Walker Vine Hill Syrah. Sadly we were told that this was the last vintage that will be produced. This bottling is made up of 100% Syrah and is around 40-50% whole cluster fermented then aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak. 1,025 cases produced.

Insanely dark and inky purplish ruby red, completely coats the glass. Dark berries on the start of the nose followed up by cinnamon, cocoa, blueberries and some dustiness. Medium plus tannins (7/10) with a full body. Rich and layered palate with red currants, red plums, even a touch of blue fruits and some solid minerality. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028. (93+)

$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $75.00. — 8 years ago

with India

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2022 vintage. Medium-medium heavy body. Smooth. Subtle. Ruffly. Undulating. 3.25.26. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Winderlea Vineyard & Winery – Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
This isn’t just any Willamette Chardonnay — it’s a benchmark. Crafted from a mosaic of top vineyards: Carabella (35%) in Chehalem Mountains, Hyland (33%) & Meredith Mitchell (23%) in McMinnville, and Winderlea Estate (9%) in Dundee Hills. Together, they deliver harmony and terroir depth that rivals fine Burgundy, while staying true to Oregon character.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich layers of peach, apricot, and crisp apple glide seamlessly into notes of citrus zest and a subtle kiss of toasted oak. The aromatic lift is both elegant and generous, hinting at orchard blossoms with a faint mineral streak.

Mouthfeel
Succulent and textured, yet framed with precision. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant, while a creamy mid-palate offers weight and length. Still radiant in 2018, showing both freshness and polish.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented and aged in French oak barrels with a Burgundian sensibility, highlighting texture over heaviness. A balance of fruit purity and oak finesse.

Food Pairing
Perfect with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs, or creamy risotto with chanterelles. Its lively acidity also makes it a stellar partner for soft cheeses.

Verdict
A standout Chardonnay from Oregon, balancing Burgundian elegance with Willamette soul. Priced above regional peers, but every sip justifies it. Truly one of the finest examples of Oregon Chardonnay in recent years. Cheers! — 10 months ago

Doggfather

9.0

Keep it in the cellar a little longer than me and then you’ll have something special — 5 years ago

Erik Longabardi

9.4

2010. Still a baby but hits big on all the sensory buttons. Tops — 7 years ago

Madi Ham

9.4

Enjoyable Chianti

With Brian, Meredith, and Robert at Sonoma — 7 years ago

Peter Marks

Master of Wine, Educator Constellation Brands

9.4

A beautiful dry rose with great depth of flavor, texture and an incredible finish. I need to get more of this! — 8 years ago

Celeste Player

9.2

Date night in Dallas — 7 months ago

Doug Powers

9.6

Intense red fruited aromas and flavors, a little less tannic and structured than the 2007, but this shows bracing acidity at the present time, long, lingering finish, which the incredible acid backbone lifts and lengthens, another wine to ideally drink from 25-30 years after the vintage! — 8 months ago

with Jim

Brian Pietras

9.3

Mostly fresh raspberries, hint of pepper. Great ruby color and nose. Age it another 3 to 5 years — 3 years ago

Joe Roth

9.3

A real gem! — 6 years ago

with Jeff and Michael

Robert Gates

9.8

2016 Sawtooth Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, Classic Fly Series. I have to say that Meredith Smith, the winemaker, did good on this one. It has all of the classic aromas of a Spanish Tempranillo. Besides the dark red fruit, it has smoke, leather, tobacco, full body, medium tannins, and is spicy on the finish, especially with food. Two thumbs up! — 7 years ago

paul custer

9.1

mildly sweet, refreshing. thanks to meredith for the thoughtful surprise! — 8 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.5

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. The next Rhone varietal red was the Richards Family Vineyard Syrah. Made up of 100% Syrah from the Richard Family Vineyard. This bottling is around 70-100% whole cluster fermented then aged for 28 months in 33% new French oak. Only 466 cases produced.

Dark purplish ruby red. Nice layers on the nose with some savory characteristics, dark cocoa, herbs, leather, purple flowers and some spices. Medium plus to heavy tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Dry undertones on the palate with plush dark berries, crushed dark gravel and sweet spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2031.

$$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $150.00. — 8 years ago

with India