Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Sauvignon Blanc 2016

($36):  Merry Edwards is a genius of a winemaker.  She makes fabulous Pinot Noir as well as this under-the-radar Sauvignon Blanc.  Well, it won’t be under the radar for long because she’s been excelling at this variety for years — and the 2016 continues her streak, as far as I’m concerned.  It’s a fabulous combination:  A hint of pungency, some herbal minty notes and lively freshness in the finish.  Then you notice a creamy element — where did that come from?  Her Sauvignon Blanc is more in the complex layered tradition of fine white Bordeaux than the straightforward Sancerre rendition.  I don’t often think $36 for Sauvignon Blanc is a bargain, but this one is. 93 Michael Apstein Dec 5, 2017