Cabernet Sauvignon

2017
Cabernet Sauvignon

Black currants and ripe plum skin mixed with dark spices and sandalwood. Some air adds more black fruit, Bing cherry, blackberries and creme de cassis with a hint of black tea. The palate has volume and structure that stays sweet and energetic, finishing with hints of caramel and spice. Irresistible now but it will easily age for a decade or more.

Vintages

Varietal(s)

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol

14.5%

Cases Produced

1,282

Back

Winemaker's Notes

The 2017 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and the Columbia Valley. Harvested by hand in the early morning between September 8th - October 31st, it was hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both stainless steel (77%) and concrete (23%) tanks. The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (54% new) for 18 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 53 barrels were ultimately selected and bottled on April 23rd, 2019.

Expert Reviews & Scores

James Sucklingjamessuckling.com

93 / 100

An attractive, floral red with crushed blackcurrants, flowers and chocolate. Medium to full body, round tannins and a soft, cashmere-like texture. 95% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

90 / 100

Blended with 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley shows a ripe, juicy, dark-fruited core with elegant baking spices and dusty chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, flavors of cherry skin and black raspberry fill the palate along with gripping tannins that make this wine food-friendly. Concluding with a lingering finish, flavors bitter dark chocolate linger on the aftertaste. Keenly priced.

Trade Materials