This 2006 Hill Family Merlot combines the best of the Hill Family’s Beau Terre Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, with its plush black cherry and raspberry fruit, and the Beau Terre Atlas Peak Cabernet with its fine classic sage and brambly character. All vineyards are under the control of Hill Family Estate, offering the chance to make the tough but necessary decisions about viticulture that make for the best wines. 2006 was a cool year with hot spells, making a muscular Merlot that has a big structure. We actually added Cabernet to it for the softer fruit! After 18 months in barrel, the wine finally evolved enough to bottle.