Announcing the 2014 Reserve Claret

Finally, it’s here – the Reserve Claret.

This special wine is the product of a new winemaking process, complete with a new label and new level of expectation. Let’s take a minute to introduce it to you.

First, this is a new wine based on an old friend. Our Reserve Claret replaces our highly praised Matthews Reserve in the Matthews lineup of new world, Bordeaux-style blends. The Reserve Claret draws on the heritage of Matthews Reserve, our highest scoring Bordeaux-style blend ever, and our popular Claret, which was named to Wine Spectator’s prestigious 2016 list of Top 100 wines in the world. This commitment to producing the finest Bordeaux blends possible led us to the Reserve Claret.

Second, the new Reserve Claret arrives in fresh packaging. We have updated the Reserve Claret bottle with a re-designed label and new subtleties. We took as much care into the label on the outside as we put into making the wine inside. Because they are the first and last things you will see of the bottle, they should reflect our commitment to excellence and elegance in winemaking. We believe the new packaging accomplishes that.

Finally, the “Reserve” name sets a new level of expectation with our fans. We released our very first “Reserve” wine earlier this year, with the “Reserve Sauvignon Blanc”. Reserve is not a name we use lightly . Each of our “Reserve” level wines see the most rigorous vineyard practices, and most stringent de-classification process during our winemaking process. Only the best wines make it into any of our Reserve-level wines.

We source the Reserve Claret from the oldest vineyard blocks available, some more than 25 years old (seen above). It is fermented carefully in state-of-the-art concrete tanks, then meticulously blended to form a seamless sensory experience from beginning to end. Our new winemaking process in Walla Walla is perfectly suited to craft a wine of structure, depth, and verve. It’s a wine that can be enjoyed in its youth yet crafted to lay down in your cellar for years.

Here is what noted critic Jeb Dunnunk said about the Reserve Claret in the Wine Advocate:

“A step up over the straight Claret release, the 2014 Reserve Claret (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc) has more finesse and elegance, with lots of blackcurrants, plum, licorice, toasted spice and graphite aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, fresh and elegant, with terrific purity and length, it’s going to keep for 15+ years. 93pts.”

We will release the Reserve Claret on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept 10th, from noon-4 p.m in our Woodinville Tasting Room + Farm. (For directions, click here)

Matthews Wine Club members receive first access to this wine. To join the Wine Club and ensure that you won’t miss this limited release wine, click here. Or simply plan to join us Sept. 9 in Woodinville!