2018 Beau Terre Merlot

2018 was a solid viticultural year, with better than average yields. Winter rains made the season start a bit late and a moderately cool summer had us a bit worried, but dry warm temperatures in the fall made sure the grapes ripened well with excellent color and character. Merlot began to come in the second week of October, with Brix numbers in the mid 25s with nice pH and acidity. We fermented with D254 yeast and temperatures peaked at about 87o, giving us lovely berry aromas and dark colors. The wine was pressed after 10 to 14 days, and went straight to barrel to begin its evolution. After 3 rackings, the wine came out of barrel after 17 months, ready to enter the next phase of its progress.

The 2018 Merlot has lovely boysenberry aromas filled in with black cherry and blackberry. This is a serious wine with big boysenberry pie fruit and some black licorice. The palate is rich and smooth, but with nice aging potential. Should be a classic in about 5 years!