2014Cabernet Sauvignon
2014Cabernet Sauvignon
The Matthews Cabernet is a Washington-born shout out to the classic left bank blends of Bordeaux and Medoc. An incredibly selective blending process produces a wine that is big on show but remarkably composed. Think of it as a wine that looks flawless in a tux, but isn’t afraid to loosen the tie, roll up the sleeves, and throw down on the dance floor. We let Cabernet lead the way, with Cab Franc and then a touch of Merlot filling in the gaps and smoothing any rough edges. Beautiful, explosive aromatics announce the wine before you even pour it, and that opulence is replicated in the dense, vibrant mouthfeel. This is a really fun wine to drink, but it won’t beat you up with too much tannin. Bordeaux-style blends are famously terroir driven, and ours is no exception. Cabernet loves to grow in Washington, where our arid climate, large temperature swings and long seasons give us the powerful ripe fruit you’d expect from California, with more of the balance, complexity and freshness you’d expect from a French blend. Matthews Cabernet in particular is characterized by its intense spice, silky texture and excellent transitions.
Currants and plums framed beautifully by herbs and spice. Swirling adds sweetness to the fruit and a hint of mocha. The nose is stunningly refined with everything perfectly in its place. The palate has tremendous presence and length with fine, palate coating tannins. An impeccably refined new world Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grass-fed burgers with grilled corn
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc
Awards & Accolades
"Leafy herbs, plums, blueberries and violet notes all emerge from Matthews' 2014 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, it's fresh and focused on the palate, with a streamlined, elegant style. Drink it over the coming decade or more."
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate
"Bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas and flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice and dusty brown spices. Densely packed, ripe and tactile but quite dry; a plush style of Cabernet but more youthfully clenched than the Merlot, finishing with more serious tannins. But this wine too is suave and edge-free. This has to be the best set of new releases I've tasted to date from Matthews Winery."
91 points, Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
AVAs
Red Mountain
Red Mountain
- Designated
- 2001
- Vineyards
- 2,382 acres (963 hectares)
- Top Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Average Annual Precipitation
- 5 inches
- Soil
- Silt, sand, volcanic basalt
- Average vine age
- 22yrs