Claret

2014
Claret

Fresh and polished red and black fruits, hints of black tea and vanilla bean open the nose. Swirling adds blackberries, red and black currants and a penetrating floral note, reminiscent of a ripe blackberry bush. The palate is densely fruited with sleek tannins and a vibrant finish. Blackberry, plum skin, dark chocolate and some dried herbs carry all the way through.

Vintages

Varietal(s)

4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot

Vinification

Fermented in 63% concrete and 37% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 21 months in 55% used French oak and 45% new French oak.

Alcohol

14.8%

Cases Produced

3,410

Vintage Notes

The 2014 Matthews Columbia Valley Claret comes from several small vineyard parcels within four AVAs: Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and the Wahluke Slope. Harvested by hand in the early fall mornings, these grapes were then fermented in 63% concrete and 37% stainless steel tanks before being aged 21 months in 55% used French oak 45% new French oak barrels. This wine was evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team before 3,410 cases were ultimately selected and bottled.

Expert Reviews & Scores

  • Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

    92 / 100

    Offers a plush texture, with a solid, focused core, including black cherry, espresso and lead pencil accents that lead to refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 3,410 cases made.

    Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast

    91 / 100

    Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) takes the lead on this blend, followed by Merlot (23%), Cabernet Franc (13%), Malbec (6%) and Petit Verdot. Aromas of fresh herb, flower, pencil lead, cherry jam and spice lead to light tart, fresh fruit flavors. The tannins bring a bit of grip and dryness that hopefully smooths out with some additional time in the bottle but it has the stuffing to go the distance.

    Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

    90 / 100

    The 2014 Claret offers more oak, as well as chocolaty dark fruits, licorice and toasted spice. Rich, forward and delicious, drink this chewy, slightly chunky effort over the coming 4-6 years. This cuvee is made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and the rest Petit Verdot, and it spent 21 months in 45% new French oak barrels.

  • Stephen Tanzer, Vinous

    90 / 100

    Healthy dark red. Black cherry and cocoa powder on the nose, lifted by violet and aromatic spices. A strong, fruit-driven blend with lovely texture and sweetness. Not hugely concentrated but spreads out nicely to saturate the palate. Finishes with substantial fine-grained tannins and an impression of energy. A second bottle was of similar quality but showed a redder fruit character. A very attractive blend.

    Trade Materials