Merry Edwards, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2016

 The line-up of five 2016 Pinot Noirs from Merry Edwards is her best ever, in my opinion.  The five include this one from the Sonoma Coast, three single vineyard ones, Klopp Ranch, Flax Vineyard and Meredith Estate, from the Russian River Valley, and one labeled just “Vintage 20,” a blend of her top barrels from those and other vineyards she created to celebrate her 20th vintage.  The Sonoma Coast, lighter (but by no means light) and fruitier than the others reflect the relative coolness of the Sonoma Coast.  Although weighing in at only fractionally less alcohol (14.3 percent) versus the 14.5 percent of the others, it comes across and being far less ripe than the alcohol suggests.  Its lively flavors dance on the palate.  More fruit-focused than the other bottlings, it still delivers engaging spiciness.