2016Merlot
2016Merlot
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.
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.
Roast turkey with garlic and sage
94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
Awards & Accolades
"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."
91 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
AVAs
Red Mountain
Red Mountain
- Designated
- 2001
- Vineyards
- 2,382 acres (963 hectares)
- Top Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Average Annual Precipitation
- 5 inches
- Soil
- Silt, sand, volcanic basalt
- Average vine age
- 22yrs
