2021Cabernet Sauvignon
2021Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Matthews Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of several small vineyard parcels within the greater Columbia Valley with key sites in Horse Heaven Hills and Royal Slope AVA’s as well as the famed Conner Lee vineyard. This wine truly represents the broad flavor and aromatic expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon from the diverse terroirs of Washington State. The winemaking team worked with vineyard managers to restrict yields, creating small, concentrated berries. Thoughtful canopy management and intensive irrigation strategies were implemented to mitigate the impacts of this vintage’s infamous “heat dome.” As a result, the team was able to push ripening on many sites well into October.
The fruit was hand-harvested in the early mornings between September & October. Upon arriving at the winery, the fruit was hand-sorted and destemmed before going into stainless steel tanks, spending +30 days on skins for extended maceration. The wine was cellared for 19 months in new French oak (25%) and used French oak (75%). 300 barrels were selected and carefully blended. Ultimately, the wine was bottled unfined and minimally filtered, producing only 7,364 cases.
The 2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in the glass with purple hues. The rich bouquet of spiced black plum and cocoa nib are balanced with aromas of fresh earth and crushed flint. Intense and opulent flavors of ripe blackberry, cedar, mocha, and black currant coat the broad and balanced palate and the ripe tannin creates a perfect frame for the lush fruit expression. Cherry cordial and cola linger on the long, quenching finish.
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15%Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Awards & Accolades
"There’s a sophistication and intensity to it all that is mesmerizing."
Praise for the 2020 (previous vintage): 94 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast