Claret

2015
Claret

Plush and round, with plum, blackberry and muddled strawberry intertwined with dark spice, dried mesquite and caramelized sugar. With some air, sweet fruit and exotic spices combined with black pepper are released. The palate has volume and texture with silky tannins and complex dark fruits.

Vintages

Varietal(s)

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot

Vinification

Fermented in 53% concrete and 43% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 20 months in 51% new French oak barrels.

Alcohol

14.4%

Cases Produced

3,049

Vintage Notes

The 2015 Matthews Claret comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and the Columbia Valley. Harvested by hand in the early fall mornings. It was hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both concrete (53%) and stainless steel (43%). The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (51% new) for 20 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 3,049 cases were produced.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

91 / 100

he 2015 Claret checks in as a 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot which spent 20 months in 51% new French oak. Cassis, blueberries, leafy herbs and liquid flower notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, lively, fresh, elegant blend that shines for its purity and sheer drinkability.

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous

90 / 100

Very ripe aromas of plum and mocha suggest a sweet, fat wine. Nicely fine-grained and seductively complex on the palate, with its red berry flavors perfectly complemented and lifted by a lively floral element. Finishes fleshy and long, with refined tannins and lingering sweetness. A lovely claret-style wine at an affordable price.

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

90 / 100

Brooding and sturdy of build, with deep blackberry, black olive and licorice flavors that build toward big but refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2024. 3,049 cases made.

Trade Materials