A new Matthews

2021: A New Era for our Columbia Valley Wines. 

The Columbia Valley has continually proven itself as a world-class wine region, capable of producing dynamic, expressive wines that captivate and delight. At Matthews, we believe that truly exceptional wines are the result of the right team, the right vineyards, a meticulous process, and—above all—a passion for the craft.

In 2021, fueled by a desire to elevate our winemaking to new heights, our team embarked on a transformative journey to explore the full potential of what Matthews wines could be. This journey began with a complete reimagining of our winemaking process, welcoming a new team of winemakers with a shared dedication to creating the most aromatically complex and texturally rich wines possible.

An Adventure Across the Vineyards

Our pursuit of excellence led us to adopt a more rigorous approach to vineyard selection and management. We traveled across the Columbia Valley, handpicking the ideal clones from select parcels within the healthiest vineyards, concentrating our efforts on three prominent AVAs: Red Mountain, Royal Slope, and Horse Heaven Hills. Each of these AVAs has its own distinct character and profile, and we knew that when combined, they could offer a truly magical Columbia Valley experience in every bottle.

For even greater complexity and depth, we incorporated additional grape clones and expanded into new vineyard sites. By intentionally reducing grape yields by as much as 30%, we achieved greater concentration and consistent ripeness. Our harvest dates were extended by 3-6 weeks, pushing into late October and early November, making Matthews one of the last wineries to harvest in the region—a deliberate choice to ensure each grape reached its peak potential.

Crafting the 2021 Vintage: Precision in Every Detail

Once harvested, each vineyard parcel was separately fermented for two to three times longer than before, capturing the full essence of each varietal. The wines were then aged in a new selection of French oak cooperages, specifically chosen to complement the character of each AVA. Afterward, each wine was allowed to mature 10-20% longer in the barrel, ensuring that it reached the ideal level of complexity before being shared with our members and fans.

Celebrating Recognition and a New Chapter

This bold commitment to quality made 2021 a year of discovery and excitement. With great anticipation, we began presenting our 2021 vintage to wine reviewers who have followed Matthews’ journey over the years. The response has been overwhelmingly positive: each reviewer has awarded us their highest ratings ever, a testament to the evolution and dedication that went into these wines.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us and helped bring Matthews to this exciting new chapter. We invite you to become a member or explore our wines at select wine shops and restaurants across the US—and now in Japan! Click here to experience what we love so much about the Columbia Valley, or visit us in Woodinville at our Tasting Room + Farm.

Across all our 2021 wines, we know you’ll find a tiny part of our adventure in your glass.

2021 Reserve Claret

International Wine Report

“My favorite of the 2021 Matthews lineup, the gorgeous, decadent, and brooding 2021 Reserve Claret blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc and is cellared in 100% new French oak for 21 months. A deep, focused, ruby-purple core is in contrast with its neon ruby rim and exhibits what is to come. Bountiful aromas of black and red fruits meld with notes of dried rose, red plum skins, black currants, cedary herbs, and grated clove that sits perfectly on the back palate. Perfectly balanced between the crunchy, sweet tannins and elevated acidity, it’s very polished with a near-perfect structure. Enjoy this one in a couple of years and then over the next 15 or more. 490 cases crafted."  97 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“The 2021 Reserve Claret, boasting 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, stands out as a masterclass among its peers. The wines from Matthews in 2021 elevate above and beyond their previous quality levels, showcasing a remarkable improvement. The wine bursts with juicy, firm and fresh characteristics, displaying layers of complexity that culminate in a long, succulent finish. Bravo. Don't miss the chance to experience this extraordinary American Claret, produced in limited quantities with only 5,880 bottles. It was aged for 21 months in 100% new French Oak, contributing to its depth and sophistication. Give this a try; you won't be disappointed.” 96+ points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

Owen Bargreen

"The incredible 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Claret is mainly comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%). The wine is a thrilling joyride of texture, weight and bright underlying tension. The palate shows opulent creme de violette, espresso and garrigue notes that combine with boysenberry pie and shades of scorched earth. The underlying structure seems to match perfectly with the weight, as this beauty really needs an hour or two in the decanter if enjoying in its full-bodied youth." 96 points, Owen Bargreen

Wine Enthusiast

“This is a claret that would make Rumpole of the Bailey weak in the knees. It starts with ripe black fruit aromas and bursts of dark chocolate, bitter pine and wet pavement. Blackberries and English breakfast tea flavors are big and round in the mouth, with mouthdrying tannins and a bit of orange zest on the wine’s lengthy finish.” - Editors’ Choice. 94 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

Decanter

“Richness and spice announce this wine, a Cabernet heavy blend, which brings ripe black fruit aromatics buoyed by Christmas spice notes and a touch of graphite. The palate is spice-driven, clove blended with a mix of white and black pepper. There are concentrated blackberries and blueberry compote notes, and a surprising note of spruce tips lifts the finish." 94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

Vinous

“Sweet sage, cedary spice and dried black cherries flow as the 2021 Claret Reserve come to life in the glass. Pure and elegant, the 2021 is savory and polished, with depths of mineral-tinged red and black fruits. It takes on a pleasantly bitter tinge toward the close, with a dusting of cocoa combined with residual acidity that creates a push-and-pull of tension. This finishes quite potent, with a balanced structure that will guarantee over a decade of positive evolution. This is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It saw 100% new French oak for 21 months.” 95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

International Wine Report

“100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from 6 different clones make up the plush 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by Matthews. It's a stunning wine that deserves attention and is cellared in 100% new French oak for 21 months. Gifting a deep brooding purple core with a lighter purple rim, it boasts plush crushed blackberries, sweet boysenberries, Christmas spices, forest spruce, toasted clove, and mountain sagebrush notes across the palate and the nose. An elegant and lovely structure flows across the tongue. Crunchy tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and an earthy finish complete the wine. Better in 2025 and then age for another 10-15 years. 1842 cases produced. Highly recommended. $185 2025-2040” 96 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Vinous

“Rosy florals, lavender and licorice complicate dusty black currant as the seductive 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve smolders up from the glass. This is a dark and radiant beauty, with racy red and black fruits energized by brilliant acidity. A bitter cocoa tinge forms toward the close. Classically dry, the 2021 tapers off long and structured, with fine-grained tannins and a thrust of cola and savory herbs. The Reserve spent 21 months in 100% French new Oak.” 95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Owen Bargreen

“The blockbuster 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a world-class effort that is already drinking beautifully at the two-year mark. Once on the nose this offers a massive wall of black and blue fruits that are complimented by graphite and tilled soil accents. The palate comes off balanced and well-poised, with firm tannins holding everything in place. Turkish coffee grounds and creme de cassis notes mingle well with dried sage and shades of Black Forest Cake on the palate. If enjoying now, be sure to give this at least an hour in the decanter. Drink 2023-2038.” 96 points, Owen Bargreen

2021 Reserve Cuvée

International Wine Report

“The 2021 Reserve Cuvée from Matthews is another gorgeous combination of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that rests in 100% new French oak for 21 months. A touch fresher on the nose than its siblings, it offers refreshing notes of boysenberries, black currant, sweet vanilla, dried thyme, wet earth, and crushed toasted green peppercorns. Sweet present tannins are integrating nicely into the backbone of the wine and pair perfectly with the balanced, mouthwatering acidity. Lots of cellar potential with this one. 465 cases made. Highly recommended and editor’s choice. $195 2023-2036 97 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Owen Bargreen

"The 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cuvée combines mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc with small parts Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a world-class effort by the new Matthews winemaking team that shows all three working parts in seamless motion. Stored in 100% new French oak, this hedonistic beauty shows red bell pepper and mocha flavors that collide with anise, black currants, Chinese five spice and loamy soil accents.  Very complex, this could easily be a 20 year wine. But why wait? Drink 2023-2038.” 97 points, Owen Bargreen

Wine Enthusiast

“Blueberries, violets, graphite and potting soil make a dazzling first impression. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc-driven blend makes friends for life with its juicy acidity, fine-grained tannins and blackberry pastille, coffee, dark chocolate and nutmeg flavors. Save this wine for proposals, business and otherwise. Drink now–2036 95 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

Decanter

“Merlot is dominant, with plenty of Cabernet Franc blended in. The aromas of cocoa nibs and dried figs are blended with smoky spices and exotic cinnamon notes. The palate is dense and dark-fruited. Baking chocolate and baking spices are followed by dusty black cherries and a mocha density. There is a wild anise lift that brightens the finish nicely.” 93 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

Vinous

“The 2021 Cuvée Reserve opens with mentholated freshness as notes of rosemary, exotic spice and peppery rose give way to crushed blackberries. It’s silky smooth and energetic, with fresh acidity that enlivens its ripe wild berry fruits. A twang of sour orange adds lovely dimension. Classically dry, with a lavender and cocoa tinge, the 2021 finishes long and staining. The 2021 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.” 94+ points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“A blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Reserve Cuvée is initially juicy and firm and exhibits a softly volatile and fresh character with red-fruited and black-fruited nuances. Black raspberry and black plum intertwine with a sizable generosity to the nose, accompanied by sweet herbs and nuanced complexity. The wine unfolds with a juicy yet firm texture, tight tannins and a structured backbone. It presents a fresh and tight demeanor that needs another year to integrate fully. Oak-driven and showing notes of pencil shavings on the finish, this requires additional time to find its stride and coherence. Aged for 21 months in 100% new French Oak, this Reserve Cuvée promises a memorable experience with its sizable intensity and food friendly, textural mouthfeel. Just give it time; your patience will be rewarded. 5,580 bottles produced.” 94 points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

2021 Reserve Merlot

International Wine Report

“The enchanting 2021 Reserve Merlot from Matthews merges 75% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc for a total of 21 months in 100% new French oak. A brooding dark purple core with a light red rim in the glass delivers a more elegant and polished tone over the tongue. Mountain blueberries, red cherries, mountain sage, vanilla, scorched herbs, and wet earth, with hints of tobacco leaf, jump on the nose and on the palate. Sweet, silky tannins, a rounded mouthfeel, and lemony acidity complete the wine. 394 cases made. Highly recommended. $185 2023-2036” 96 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Vinous

“The woodland-inspired 2021 Merlot Reserve wafts up with a blend of wild berries, rubbed sage and cedary spice. This is pure elegance - seamlessly silky and polished, with depths of dark red fruit underscored by saline minerals and a savory herbal thrust. This tapers off with a dark floral perfume and hints of steeped plum, leaving a saturation of fine tannins, while maintaining a lovely freshness. The 2021 needs time to come fully into focus, but I believe it will be worth the wait.” 94 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Owen Bargreen

"One of the finest wines of its kind in the state, the incredible new 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Merlot is soft and refined on the mouth with a seamless texture. This weightless beauty displays great elegance and weight, with mouth-watering acidity holding everything neatly together. Light tannins combine with shades of Turkish coffee, freshly tilled salty soils, violets and lighter green herbal nuances on the palate. This quite literally glides throughout the drinking experience as it is already showing beautifully — and is sure to live on for at least another fifteen years. Give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its bold youth. Drink 2023-2038.” 96 points, Owen Bargreen

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“Aromatic, fresh and with a firm, sturdy backbone, the 2021 Merlot Reserve Columbia Valley is composed of 75% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. The wine is well defined and juicy, with a touch of volatility—just enough to lift the nose—and reveals its youthful character. It boasts broad-shouldered freshness, a tannic edge and complex layers of oak and brown baking spices. The wine concludes with a spicy, oak-driven finish that will benefit fromanother year of aging in the bottle. The wine aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. The wine's depth and richness will remain food friendly until the end of the next decade. 4,728 bottles produced.” 94+ points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

Decanter

“Wild mountain blue fruits mingle with ripe blackberry and concentrated five-spice aromas. This wine is built to age with ample structure, pushing dark fruit forward with less florality, per head winemaker Alex Stewart. Spicy blue and black fruits open the palate; there's richness with finesse, chicory spice, black liquorice, and black pepper, which play well with the acidity to finish. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2035" 94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

2021 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Owen Bargreen

"The totally stunning 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding wine that shows off the warmth of the vintage. Stored in roughly 35% new French oak, this saw extended battonage. On the nose this shows baking spice dusted brioche, papaya and shades of roasted pineapple on the nose. The palate is smooth and beautifully textured, with outstanding weight and length. Unfined and unfiltered, this beauty will live on for another eight plus years and is just sensational to enjoy now. Drink 2023-2031” 95 Points Owen Bargreen

Vinous

“The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve opens with a pleasantly rich bouquet of lemon zest, baked pears and crushed stone. This is a deeply textural blend of savory and sweet elements. A core of citrus-tinged acidity and saline minerality complicates crunchy green apple fruit. This tapers off with tremendous length and concentration but is amazingly fresh, leaving a sour melon twang. This product of a warm vintage is gorgeous, refined for 12 months in 75% new French oak.” 92+ points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“Unfined and unfiltered, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve presents a fresh, oaky and citrusy nose. Gorgeously fresh and full-bodied, the wine packs a punch on the palate with considerable weight, a spicy touch and a good balance of acidity and roundness. The finish is pronounced with a spicy and creamy mouthfeel that brings me back for more. Don’t let the haze scare you away from enjoying this wine. The wine fermented in all French oak, 75% new, and will be best when enjoyed with food. 9,708 bottles produced.” 93 points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

James Suckling

“This has aromas of chopped apples, fresh pears, lemons, salted almonds and a hint of nutmeg. It’s creamy and textured, with a medium body and tangy acidity. I like the saline and spice undertones. Drink now or hold.” 91 Points James Suckling

2021 Red Mountain Cuvée

Owen Bargreen

"The 2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain Cuvee’ Red Wine is mostly composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that comes from largely the Red Mountain Vineyard. The wine is absolutely singing in its full-throttle youth. Very deep and brooding with good concentration, the palate delivers tar and anise flavors with scorched earth and heady blackberry and black currant flavors. This is very true to the region and vintage. Drink 2023-2038 95 pointsOwen Bargreen

2021 Red Mountain Claret

Owen Bargreen

"Another brilliant wine in the Red Mountain lineup, the 2021 Red Mountain Claret is silky smooth on the mouth, already reveling in its richness and bright mineral backbone. The palate is dense with plenty of dark fruit flavors alongside suggestions of cardamom, sandalwood and creme de violette. Finishing long with rich dark fruits and copious minerals, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 95 pointsOwen Bargreen

2021 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Owen Bargreen

"The 2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon has just a touch of Merlot blended in. It shows off its very deep hue in the glass, slowly unveiling creosote and garrigue aromatics that parade with concentrated black fruits. The palate is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of espresso grounds and tar mingle well with blueberry pie, sagebrush and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Really good now, this will live on for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038 - 95 pointsOwen Bargreen

2021 Royal Slope Cuvée

Owen Bargreen

“The really good Merlot dominant 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Cuvee’ Red Wine offers garrigue and blackberry notes on the nose alongside shades of tar, with stony undercurrents. The palate is soft and enticing with good richness and a seamless texture. Layered with its core of dense dark fruits, tobacco leaf and coffee grounds, this is a beautiful showing that is already drinking nicely at the two year mark. Savor this beauty now and over the next ten years to come.” Drink 2023-2035 - 95pointsOwen Bargreen

2021 Royal Slope Claret

Owen Bargreen

“The amazing 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Claret’ Red Wine is already drinking beautifully despite its youth. It comes off layered aromatically with baking spices, cocoa powder and shades of boysenberry puree on the nose. The palate is refined and smooth, showing good flavor density and solid underlying finesse. Flavors mocha, tar and black currants all meld together, finishing long with minerals, dark fruits and chocolate.” Drink 2023-2036 - 95 points Owen Bargreen

2021 Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon

Owen Bargreen

“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.” Drink 2023-2035 - 95 pointsOwen Bargreen

2021 Horse Heaven Hills Claret

Owen Bargreen

“The 2021 Matthews ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Claret combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (68%) with the reminder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet is really shining here. Deep espresso ground and cassis notes combine with suggestions of baking spices, chocolate covered black cherry and light herbal accents on the palate. This offers good freshness with a smooth texture as this is going to satisfy for at least another twelve years.” Drink 2023-2038 - 95 points Owen Bargreen

2021 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

Owen Bargreen

“You are going to love the 2021 Matthews ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon that was mainly sourced from the scenic Wallula Vineyard with a small portion coming from the Phinny Hill Vineyard. On the nose this takes on very classic violet rose petals that you see from this varietal grown here.  A touch of green herbs add to the intrigue, as the palate displays a dazzling array of texture, weight and underlying verve. Very soft on the mouth, this is downright delicious stuff to consume now and over the next fifteen plus years to come.” Drink 2023-2038 - 96 points, Owen Bargreen

2021 Columbia Valley Cuvée

Wine Spectator

"A handsome blend, structured and polished, with expressive black cherry flavors accented by tarragon, mocha espresso and toasty spices that sail toward refined tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2031. 1,461 cases made. From Washington.” 93 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

“The sweet aroma of a Santa Rosa plum unites on the cuvée’s nose with boysenberries and a chalky calcium note. Ripe Bing cherries are muddled together with flavors like chocolate ganache and a cedar-like bit of Sichuan peppercorns. The wine’s soft acidity is currently eclipsed by a massive tannic structure. —M.A. abv: 14.8% Price: $55” 92 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

Decanter

“This Merlot-based blend is a part of the Matthews tradition. Wildly fruity aromatics with whole berries, destemmed aromas driven by red berries, mountain blueberries, and a touch of green peppercorn and mocha dust. A streak of graphite underlines red berries, early season blackberries and a savoury herbal character that mingles complexity with fresh ripe fruits.” 93 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

International Wine Report

“The Merlot-dominant 2021 Cuvée from Matthews blends 65% Merlot (31-year-old vines), 27% Cab Franc, and 8% Malbec, with a total of 22 different clones being used. Resting for 19 months in 40% new French oak, it gifts a deep purple core with a fluorescent purple rim. Paying homage to left-bank Bordeaux-styled wines, it pops out of the glass with aromas of black cherries, blue plums, grapefruit pith, cedary herbs, and smoked cinnamon sticks. Big and bold with a touch of finesse on the finish, it’s lush with moderate acidity and sweet tannins. 1461 cases made. $50 2023-2031” 93 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Vinous

“The 2021 Cuvée Columbia Valley is simply stunning, displaying a zesty bouquet of crushed black cherries and raspberries, complemented by hints of sage and cocoa. This is refined and sleek in style, with a rush of red and blue fruits underscored by saline minerals. An air of inner violet florals slowly forms. The 2021 finishes long, with a staining of liquid florals and gentle, round tannins that slowly fade through the lightly-structured finale. This is a blend of 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec, refined in 40% new oak.” 92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Owen Bargreen

“The 2021 ‘Cuvée’ combines 68% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This shows solid concentration with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of ripe dark figs with sweet chocolate and allspice dusted blackberry all combine on the palate. This is a forward and delicious, solid showing from this warm vintage.” Drink 2023-2031.” 92 points, Owen Bargreen

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“A blend of 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec, the 2021 Columbia Valley Cuvée opens to a dusty, red-fruited profile with hints of a softly herbal essence. The wine has a fresh and still tannic character that will mellow over time, maintaining its food-friendly nature for years. Dense and spicy, the wine exhibits a chewy mid-palate with considerable weight. Since its inception years ago, this bottling has consistently grown in quality over the vintages, and the 2021 Cuvée lives up to expectations with its juicy, plummy and softly volatile finish. The wine aged for 19 months in 40% new French oak. Give it a try. 17,532 bottles were made.” 91 points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

2021 Columbia Valley Claret

Wine Spectator

“A handsome blend that's generous and structured, with dynamic black cherry and plum flavors highlighted by green tea and toasted spice flavors, finishing with polished tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2031. 5,083 cases made.” 93 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

“A delightfully ripe blackberry aroma joins notes of grilled portobello mushrooms, mint and wood smoke in an effort to convince you to break out the backyard grill. The flavors are similar, with blackberries and blueberries laced with traces of vanilla and a caffè mocha. Pair this claret with a fire in the fireplace. —M.A. abv: 14.9% Price: $55” 93 points. Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

Decanter

“A Cabernet dominant blend of all five Bordeaux varietals. This wine's wild anise savoury notes drive forward the aromatics, followed by ripe fruits and a touch of frankincense. There is a linear element to the fruit that cuts through the ripe, fleshy palate. It comes together with notes of dried thyme, white peppercorn, and dollops of red and black berries. There is an undeniable ripeness with a crunchy fruit character that brings it home.” 94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

International Wine Report

“My favorite of the “base” wines from Matthews, the 2021 Claret is a lovely combo of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 30% Cab Franc, 5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot that spent 19 months in 27% new French oak. An inviting dark ruby-purple core with a light purple rim in the glass, it sports a bouquet of dried blueberries, blackberries, mountain sage, tobacco leaf, dried rose, sweet cinnamon, cassis, and plum skin. Lush tannins, perfect acidity, and a medium-bodied mouthfeel complete the wine. 5083 cases produced. $50 2024-2032” -94 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Vinous

“The 2021 Claret Columbia Valley, a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 29% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, is dark and floral, with a black raspberry core embellished by sweet herbs and hints of dark chocolate. It washes across the palate with a lifted and feminine feel, showing sleek red berry fruits elevated by rosy inner florals. Classically dry, this tapers off with medium length, leaving hints of licorice and traces of grippy tannin. The Claret has a very approachable character yet remains wonderfully complex.” 92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Owen Bargreen

"Every bit outstanding the 2021 Claret combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot with smaller parts Malbec and Petit Verdot. Chocolate and espresso grounds mark the nose alongside shades of huckleberry and dried herbs. The palate is soft and well-balanced with a smooth texture. Showing salty and earthy undertones, this is a fantastic showing that displays each varietal working in seamless motion. Drink 2023-2033.” 94 points, Owen Bargreen

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“Made from 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 29% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Claret opens with a broad, deep and juicy profile. It marks a monumental shift in the house style, showcasing a step in the right direction for quality-focused wine crafted with specific intentions. This wine is big and juicy, with a generous and well-rounded character that is not lacking in any aspect. The Claret is fresh and complex, unfolding fruit, oak and spice layers. It features fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity, creating a brilliant and flavorful finish that has me craving food. Bravo. The wine aged 19 months in 27% new French oak. The 2021 vintage marks a pivotal point for the Matthews brand. 60,996 bottles produced.” 94 points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Spectator

“Precise and expressive, with handsome flavors of blackberry, bay leaf and espresso that build richness and structure toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031. 7,364 cases made.” 93 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

“A very spring-like cherry blossom and raspberry aroma combination is counter-pointed by notes of leather and bone broth. Cherries are again on the palate, where they are joined by dark chocolate and balsa wood flavors. The tannins are currently a bit grippy, with a medium amount of acidity.” 91 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

Decanter

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is spicy, showing off a gentle peppery tinge and dusty rose tones that give way to dried black cherries. This is wonderfully crisp and refined, with silky textures and depths of dark red fruit propelled by juicy acidity. It tapers off long and structured, yet the tannins are quite sweet. The 2021 finishes with a pleasant crunch and a lingering licorice tinge.” 93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

International Wine Report

“The 2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Matthews is a melange of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec that is aged for 19 months in 25% new French oak. Deep purple core with a neon purple rim in the glass, it boasts a beautiful nose of blackberries, mountain herbs, black rose, espresso powder, leather, and dark chocolate. Tannins are crunchy, acid is elevated, and the black-fruit finish tops things off. Better in 2024. 7364 cases made $45 2024-2034” 93 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Vinous

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is spicy, showing off a gentle peppery tinge and dusty rose tones that give way to dried black cherries. This is wonderfully crisp and refined, with silky textures and depths of dark red fruit propelled by juicy acidity. It tapers off long and structured, yet the tannins are quite sweet. The 2021 finishes with a pleasant crunch and a lingering licorice tinge.” 93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Owen Bargreen

“Coming out strong out of the gate, the 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly all varietal. Dark chocolate shavings, baking spices and anise come together on the nose. The palate is beautifully balanced with a seamless texture and great sense of weight, with heady roasted date and black currant flavors. Generous and rich, this is a gorgeous showing from 2021. This is a serious value to purchase by the case. Drink 2023-2033.” 94 points, Owen Bargreen

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, blended with 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, displays a clean and fresh profile with balanced acidity. It unfolds on the palate with layers of complexity, featuring notes of pencil lead, juicy plum skin and blackberry flavors. The wine balances ripeness and freshness with broad shoulders and a fresh expression that leads to a spicy finish. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for 19 months in 25% new French oak. 89,844 bottles were produced.” 91+ points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker