Our highest Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviews, ever!

We are thrilled to share we have received our highest reviews from Robert Parker Wine Advocate, ever!

In our first vintage of Reserve-level wines with our new winemaking process and team, we sat for a personal tasting with acclaimed wine critic Anthony Mueller.

His perspective has us beaming:

"The Matthews 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and 2021 Claret Reserve bottlings captured my heart."

“A monumental shift in the house style, showcasing a step in the right direction for quality-focused wine crafted with specific intentions.”

“A masterclass among its peers.”

Read on below for more perspective on each wine.

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Matthews 2021 Reserve Claret – 96+ points
“… 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.”

Matthews 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 96 points
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Columbia Valley is juicy, fresh and indulgent with red and black fruit flavors, a firm structure and complex layers. The nose is generous and layered, while the wine hits the palate with a packed, medium to full-bodied profile. Gliding over the palate, it finishes silky-smooth, like chocolate ganache melting on the tongue. This Cabernet Sauvignon aged 21 months in 100% New French oak. Bravo, I’m going back for a second and third sip.”

Matthews 2021 Reserve Cuvée – 94 points
“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.”

Matthews 2021 Reserve Merlot – 94+ points
“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 from another 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.”

Matthews 2022 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – 93+ points
“The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve reveals good depth and focus, accentuated by oak nuances that mingle with spicy and sweet citrus blossoms. This medium to full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc unfolds with succulent oak essences and crisp, refreshing acidity on the palate. The wine lingers with a creamy, decisive finish, swaying between citrus blossoms and lemon creamsicle flavors. It was bottled unfiltered and unfined intentionally, as a qualitative measure.”

Matthews 2021 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc – 93 points
“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.”

Matthews 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – 91+ points
“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.”

Matthews 2021 Claret – 94 points
“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.”

Matthews 2021 Cuvée – 91 points
“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.”

Matthews 2022 Sauvignon Blanc – 90 points
“The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a classic and focused expression, with citrus aromas taking the forefront. Medium-bodied, the palate is clean and fleshy, featuring a kiss of spice and citrus notes. The finish is food friendly, offering a balanced and finessed expression of Sauvignon Blanc.”

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We're deeply committed to sharing the beauty and character of the wine region that fuels our passion and creativity each day. It's our heartfelt mission to bridge the distance between you and these remarkable vineyards, allowing you to experience the same inspiration we find among the rolling hills of the Columbia Valley. The unique terroir, changing seasons, and generations of winemaking tradition have shaped not only exceptional wines but our very purpose as well.

We are grateful that you are on this journey of discovery with us—one that will immerse you in the authentic spirit of this extraordinary place we're fortunate enough to call home. Thank you for allowing us to be your guides through the Columbia Valley's rich viticultural story.

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