2021 Matthews Columbia Valley Claret
The 2021 vintage marks a pivotal point for the Matthews brand.— 94 points, Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
The 2021 Matthews Columbia Valley Claret is a detailed expression of the region’s most distinguished vineyard parcels, sourced from across the greater Columbia Valley. Anchored by the renowned Conner Lee Vineyard, the blend also features fruit from select sites in Horse Heaven Hills, White Bluffs, Red Mountain, and Royal Slope AVAs. This wine is a vivid representation of the diverse terroirs that define Washington State’s signature Bordeaux-style reds.
The 2021 vintage was shaped by extreme and historic weather events. Following a dry winter with below-average precipitation, an early bud break in March was followed by an unusually hot and windy bloom period in late May and early June. These conditions led to uneven flowering, significant shatter, and naturally low yields—further intensified by the late June “heat dome” event that brought record-shattering temperatures across the Pacific Northwest. As a result, berry and cluster sizes were notably small, yielding intensely concentrated fruit. While sugar levels advanced quickly, phenolic ripeness and flavor development lagged behind—a challenge that demanded precision and patience in the vineyard.
Recognizing the unique potential of this challenging vintage, our new winemaking team worked closely with vineyard managers to implement updated viticultural practices. Yields were intentionally reduced by an average of 30% across sites to promote the development of small, thick-skinned berries. Canopy management was adjusted to provide extra protection from extreme heat, and targeted drip irrigation was employed to maintain vine health during prolonged periods of stress. These thoughtful decisions paid off during the cooler, more moderate fall conditions that followed. By pushing harvest into mid-to-late October—up to six weeks later than previous vintages—we achieved optimal ripeness with ideal sugar, acid, and phenolic balance.
Harvest & Vinification
Harvest began in late September and concluded with the final pick on October 28th. All fruit was hand-harvested in the early morning to preserve freshness, and delivered in pristine condition to the winery. Upon arrival, each vineyard lot was carefully cluster-sorted, de-stemmed, and berry-sorted to ensure only the highest-quality fruit proceeded to fermentation.
The winemaking process began with a two-day cold soak to enhance color extraction and aroma development. Fermentation was initiated with a non-Saccharomyces yeast to introduce additional complexity before primary fermentation continued with a specialized designer yeast. Each lot underwent careful cap management—utilizing pump-overs, punch-downs, or pulsed air depending on the desired extraction—over a two-week fermentation period. Following this, the wine remained on skins for an additional 14 days of extended maceration, bringing total skin contact to over 30 days. This process built structure, integrated tannins, and maximized the concentration inherent to the vintage.
After pressing, the wine was transferred to a mix of new (27%) and once-used (73%) French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel, softening the wine’s natural acidity and adding a plush, rounded mouthfeel. The wine was aged in barrel for 19 months, during which time each lot was continuously monitored and evaluated for its potential contribution to the final blend.
Blending & Bottling
In the spring of 2022, after rigorous evaluation, 201 barrels were selected for the final blend. The 2021 Claret comprises 22 individual clones from five Bordeaux varietals, showcasing a level of complexity and nuance that only diverse clonal selection can provide. These include:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Clones 2, 4, 6, 8, 15, 21, 31, 169, 191, 337, 338
Merlot: Clones 2, 3, 6, 15, 18, 181
Cabernet Franc: Clones 1, 214, 327
Malbec: Clone 4
Petit Verdot: Clone 1
The final wine was bottled in June 2023, unfined and minimally filtered, to preserve the integrity of its texture and aromatics. A total of 5,083 cases were produced.
Tasting Profile
The 2021 Matthews Columbia Valley Claret is a vivid, layered wine, showcasing the power and purity of the vintage. Deep aromatics of blackcurrant, graphite, and violets lead into a palate of dark plum, cedar, and cocoa. The texture is rich and structured, with fine-grained tannins that are seamlessly integrated thanks to extended maceration and careful barrel aging. A firm backbone of acidity keeps the wine balanced and fresh, promising excellent aging potential over the next decade.
Vintage Character
Despite the weather extremes of 2021, the resulting wines are among the most compelling in recent memory. The Claret reflects the hallmark traits of the vintage—density, structure, and concentration—while retaining a sense of site and varietal purity. The long, cool finish to the season was crucial in developing the aromatic complexity and depth that defines this bottling. With precision in farming, patience at harvest, and a detailed, hands-on approach in the cellar, the 2021 Claret stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of climate-driven challenges.
Praise for the 2021 Columbia Valley Claret:
"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, Antony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
“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
“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.”
94 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
"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.”
94 points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
“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.”
93 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
“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.”
93 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast
“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