2020Cabernet Sauvignon
2020Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2020 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon comes from several small vineyard parcels within Columbia Valley, namely key sites on Horse Heaven Hills, Royal Slope and the White Bluffs. Harvested in the early fall mornings of 2020, it was sorted and fermented in the winery using stainless steel. The wine was cellared in French oak barrels for an average of 18 months. Carefully blended by the winemaking team, only 255 barrels were selected, and finally bottled in June of 2022.
A prominent perfume of mocha and dark cherry cordial, with underlying notes of raked earth, roasted herbs, and fractured rock that balance the fruit. On the palate, a kiss of acid and supple tannin lend structure to the black plum and a faint beef dripping. Well-integrated toasted oak and red / blue fruits compliment the lengthy finish.
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Malbec
Awards & Accolades
"Aromas of blackcurrants, blackberry compote, vanilla and praline. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and excellent density. Lengthy, weighty finish. 75% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 1% malbec. Drink from 2024."
-92 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
"The aromas are thoroughly captivating, with notes of scorched earth, cocoa, black currant, graphite and bittersweet chocolate. Plush, polished, seamless fruit flavors follow. There’s a sophistication and intensity to it all that is mesmerizing."
-94 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
"#33 in the Top 100 Wines of 2022"
Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide, December 2022
AVAs
Horse Heaven Hills
Horse Heaven Hills
- Designated
- 2005
- Vineyards
- 17,082 acres (6,912 hectares)
- Top Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
- Average Annual Precipitation
- 9 inches
- Soil
- wind-blown sand, loess, Missoula Flood sediment, basalt bedrock
- Average Vine Age
- 25yrs