2021 Matthews Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon
Sensational... This is a joy to consume right now— 95 points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
Cabernet Sauvignon finds a compelling and distinctive voice in the Royal Slope AVA, where elevation, wind exposure, and well drained soils contribute to wines of power, structure, and precision. Long daylight hours encourage full physiological ripeness, while cool nights preserve freshness and aromatic lift. The resulting wines balance concentration with clarity, offering depth without heaviness and structure without austerity.
The 2021 Matthews Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon is a focused expression of this unique growing area, built from several small vineyard parcels within the Royal Slope AVA of the Columbia Valley. Solaksen, Scarline, and Stillwater Creek Vineyards each contribute distinct textural and aromatic elements. Together, these sites allow the wine to reflect both the strength and nuance of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in this dynamic landscape.
Vintage Weather Overview
The 2021 vintage was defined by below average winter precipitation and an early bud break in late March. Bloom occurred moderately early, under hot and windy conditions in late May and early June, leading to significant shatter, small clusters, and naturally low yields. Veraison began early but progressed at a more typical pace, ultimately completing on a historical timeline.
The most impactful event of the season was the late June heat dome, which shattered temperature records across the Pacific Northwest. While these extreme temperatures advanced sugar accumulation, flavor development and phenolic ripeness lagged, and acidity trended lower than average. Patience proved critical. Cooler fall temperatures allowed flavor maturity to catch up as sugars plateaued, preserving balance and structure. Harvest conditions in September and October were cool and stable, with minimal rain and no early frost. The resulting red wines from this vintage are intensely concentrated, expressive, and varietally precise with excellent structural integrity.
Harvest and Farming Practices
The 2021 Matthews Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of fruit from several small vineyard parcels within the Royal Slope AVA, including Solaksen, Scarline, and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. Challenging weather during bloom caused extensive shatter, further reducing yields. Combined with stress from the heat dome event, many sites required careful management to maintain vine health and fruit quality.
Growers responded by maintaining increased canopy coverage to protect clusters from direct sun exposure and by implementing consistent drip irrigation to support the vines through prolonged heat. These strategies proved effective, resulting in a remarkably healthy and resilient crop. Despite low yields, fruit quality remained high, with excellent concentration and balanced development.
To ensure full flavor and phenolic maturity, the winemaking team elected to extend hang time well into October. All fruit was hand harvested in the cool early morning hours and delivered to the winery in pristine condition, where it was immediately hand sorted to ensure only the highest quality berries were selected.
Vinification
Each vineyard lot was kept separate throughout the winemaking process to maximize blending precision. Upon arrival, fruit was cluster sorted, destemmed, and berry sorted before undergoing a 48 hour cold soak to enhance extraction and aromatic complexity. Fermentation was initiated with a non saccharomyces yeast to build dynamic flavor layers, followed by inoculation with a designer yeast selected to guide structure and fermentation kinetics.
Fermentation management was tailored daily through a combination of pump overs, punch downs, and pulsed air, depending on the needs of each lot. Temperatures were carefully controlled to achieve optimal extraction while preserving polished tannin structure. Primary fermentation typically lasted about two weeks, after which the wine remained on skins for a full 30 day extended maceration to deepen texture and integrate tannins.
Following maceration, the wine was transferred into 100 percent new French oak sourced from a small group of trusted cooperages, utilizing a range of barrel formats. Malolactic fermentation completed naturally in barrel, softening acidity and enhancing mouthfeel. After 21 months of cellaring, 16 carefully selected barrels were blended and bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity, intensity, and vibrancy.
Seven Cabernet Sauvignon clones contribute to the final blend: clones 2, 6, 337, 8, 4, 191, and 31. Only 358 cases were produced.
Winemaker Tasting Note
“The 2021 Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep magenta in the glass with aromatics of sweet berries, violets, tilled soil, and graham cracker. The full-bodied mouthfeel displays silky tannins and a round texture and flavors of cherry candy, hibiscus, and candied ginger. Finishing with balanced acidity, cola, dates, and fresh cut flowers.” -Alex Stewart, Head Winemaker
PRAISE FOR THE 2021 MATTHEWS ROYAL SLOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
“Sensational and heady, the 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant showing in this warm vintage. Violets and tar notes mingle well with shades of dark currants and mocha on the nose. The palate is seamless and inviting with serious concentration and good underlying verve. This is a joy to consume right now.”
95 points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com