Merlot

2015
Merlot

Essentially in the Reserve program this blended Merlot is meant to be perfumed, with showy fruit but a restrained and elegant presence. We used smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity, spice and structure to rein on the palate.

Vintages

Varietal(s)

78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification

Fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 20 Months in 69% new French oak.

Alcohol

14.6%

Cases Produced

373

Vintage Notes

The 2015 Matthews Merlot comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and the Columbia Valley. Harvested by hand in the early fall mornings, it was hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using 100% stainless steel tanks. The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (69% new) for 20 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 373 cases were ultimately selected and bottled.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com

93 / 100

The 2015 Merlot is a blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 69% new French oak. Crème de cassis, violets, a touch of vanilla bean, and incense all give way to a rich, voluptuous, beautifully textured, ripe Merlot that has sweet tannin and a silky, elegant texture. It’s ready to go, yet should keep for at least a decade.

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous

90 / 100

Bright red-ruby. Sexy aromas of raspberry, spices, mocha, tobacco leaf and cocoa powder. Seriously fleshy, tactile wine with a milk-chocolatey richness and enticing spice character to go with its plum, berry and tobacco flavors. The tannins are a tad dusty as this wine does not show quite the supporting depth of flavor or weight of the 2014 version but this wine is certainly mouth filling and may be fresher. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and a repeating note of milk chocolate.

Trade Materials