Merlot

2016
Merlot

Ripe black cherry, red currants, sandalwood and graphite. Swirling brings up plums, dried strawberry, vanilla bean and dark spices. The palate is fresh and polished with squeezed red and black fruits. Some light baking spices and silky tannins carry the finish.

Vintages

Varietal(s)

94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc

Vinification

Fermented in 91% concrete and 9% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 21 months in 50% new French oak barrels.

Alcohol

14.3%

Cases Produced

272

Vintage Notes

The 2016 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 mornings September through October 20th, it was then hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both concrete (91%) and stainless steel (9%). The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (50% new) for 21 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 272 cases were ultimately selected and bottled.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast

91 / 100

Drinking more like a Bordeaux blend than straight-up Merlot, this has coffee, raspberry, spice, herb, dark cherry and graphite aromas out front. The palate brings a sense of volume and layering but also elegance, extending on the finish. A citrus note emerges over time. It has a nice yum factor.

Trade Materials