Mac Forbes Hugh Merlot 2020 from the Yarra Valley is a rare, straight Merlot only made in standout years, and 2020 nails that plush, old‑school Yarra charm with freshness, density and quiet power. This 2020 Mac Forbes Hugh Merlot is heady, complex and deeply satisfying, built as much on energy as on richness.

In the glass you can expect dark plum, black cherry and mulberry with hints of cocoa, violet, dried herbs and earthy spice. The palate is beautifully vibrant with great fruit density, supported by tactile, mouth‑coating tannins and a lingering, fresh finish that keeps the wine from ever feeling heavy. There’s a lovely tension between generous fruit and savoury structure that speaks to carefully picked valley‑floor fruit and gentle élevage in older oak.

On the table, reach for rich braises and roasts – think lamb shoulder, beef cheeks, osso buco or mushroom lasagne – where those dark fruits and grippy but polished tannins really come into their own. It’s also a smart match with hard cheeses, charcuterie and slow‑cooked tomato‑based dishes, and with its limited‑release, exceptional‑vintage status, this Hugh Merlot 2020 is a bottle you’ll want to savour or tuck away for a few more years.