2007 Beau Terre Merlot 1.5L

The Beau Terre vineyard is a centerpiece for Doug Hill’s accumulated viticultural knowledge. From the row spacing to the trellising, the row direction and the clones selected, everything has been carefully thought-out to give Merlot its best expression. About half each of the Rausetto clone and half the 181 clone were selected for this Merlot. 2007 was an excellent growing year, and this wine takes splendid advantage of such an opportunity. Big toasty French Oak nose, densely layered with boysenberry fruit and vanilla. The palate shows the lively character present in the Merlots of the Oak Knoll District in Napa. This 2007 has the balanced, richly textured structure that Merlot can develop in the best years. Boysenberry jam and vanilla cream mix and then give way gradually to cedar and sandalwood. Still young and buoyant, the 2007 has a serious side that will keep it interesting for many years to come.