This isn’t one of Merry Edwards’ single-vineyard Pinots, but who cares? It’s a magnificent effort, and a classic expression of Sonoma Coast in a good vintage. The wine is dry and tannic, yet lilting in the mouth, with flavors of raspberries, cherries, pomegranates and mushrooms. It’s not an ager, but an elegant, sophisticated Pinot to drink now.

Once again a wine that suffers from no dearth of ripeness and one that is balanced and fairly outgoing in juicy, red-cherry fruit, this winsome middleweight is at once fairly rich and light on its feet with impeccable varietal credentials every step of the way. It is lively without being beholden to stiffening acidity and has room for a few years of growth, but, while it does not demand hasty drinking, it will make for pleasurable short-term drinking with light, but flavorful fare like sautéed pork scallops napped in a savory pan sauce.

This is similar to the nose of the RRV but in this case with a touch of herbal tea character. The plush and velvety medium-bodied flavors possess a highly seductive palate impression along with a dusty finish that isn't as vibrant but also doesn't have the tanginess either. This and the RRV offer a qualitative choice as each has their appeal.