2020 Beau Terre Merlot

Hill Family Estate takes Merlot quite seriously, and we believe the Merlot grape has an elegance to offer that is different from Cabernet Sauvignon. The Beau Terre Vineyards are centerpieces 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. There were many challenges that came with the 2020 vintage, but with science and careful tasting on our side, we pulled together this lovely Merlot. It came out of barrel after 16 months, ready to enter the next phase of its progress. The 2020 Merlot has big aromas of ripe berry jam, black cherry, toasted hazelnut and toffee. fruity with red cherry and cranberry flavors. The palate is loaded with boysenberry and plum fruit, then gets deeper with cassis and elderberry as it begins to open up. Good acidity in the center keeps everything balanced, allowing the ripe fruit to swell over the palate.