2022Merlot
2022Merlot
92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2022 Columbia Valley Merlot is a saturated garnet in the glass. Pomegranate, plum, and bing cherry fruits dominate supported by fragrant flowers, sweet tobacco and forest floor aromatics. The flavors on the palate are darker- boysenberry, dark chocolate cake, bramble berries with some graham cracker and mineral intrigue. This merlot is fresh and layered with balanced acidity and mouth-coating tannins. Red licorice and sarsaparilla join for a long, spicy finish.
Merlot was once the most widely planted grape and the most popular wine in the world, for good reason. Its history traces back to the Right Bank of Bordeaux, where clay-rich soils provided an ideal environment for the varietal to ripen fully and build texture. From Bordeaux, Merlot found new homes in California and Bolgheri, where climate and clientele embraced its plush textures and alluring aromatics.Now widely planted across the Columbia Valley, our home region offers near-perfect conditions for this iconic grape. Warm days and cool nights drive ripe fruit, freshness, and supple structure, delighting those who want a Merlot with more. When our terroir is fully harnessed, Merlot from the Columbia Valley earns its place on tastings and tables for devoted fans from Italy and Bordeaux to across the United States.The 2022 Matthews Columbia Valley Merlot is comprised of several vineyard parcels within the greater Columbia Valley. Key sites are from Royal Slope (Solaksen, Scarline), Red Mountain (Red Mountain Vineyard) Horse Heaven Hills (Wallula Gap Vineyard, Eagle and Plow, Cavalie), and Conner Lee Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, allowing this wine to truly represent the broad flavor and aromatic expression of Merlot from the diverse terroir of the Columbia Valley AVA.The winemaking team worked with our vineyard managers to restrict yields, creating small, concentrated berries. Cool fall nights preserved freshness in the wine while continuing to develop flavor. Hand-harvesting took place in the early mornings in mid-October, and lasted into early November (a record for us).At the winery, the fruit was de-stemmed and berry-sorted. Prior to fermentation, nearly 30% of volume was saignéed from tank to ensure maximum concentration across all varietals. Fermentations were kept even throughout primary, lasting an average of 14-17 days. Afterward, the wine spent and extra 2-3 weeks in tank for extended maceration before being barreled down into French oak (28% new). The wine was cellared for 21 months with 60 barrels selected and carefully blended, resulting in only 1468 cases. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity, vibrancy, and intensity.The following six clones were included in the final wine: Merlot clone 2, 3, 6, 15, and Cabernet Sauvignon clone 8.
Fermented 10-20 days in stainless steel tanks, spending a total of over 30 days for extended maceration. Aged 21 months in 28% new French oak and 72% once and twice used French oak.
Awards & Accolades
"Deep tones of blueberries and chocolate, with flourishes of mountain pine. The palate is dense with fruit, and balanced with savoury greatness. Fleshy cherries, dark plum skin, and exotic smoky spices."
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter
"The 2022 Merlot Columbia Valley mixes crushed blueberries with sweet herbs and stone dust to form its remarkably pretty bouquet. It displays elegant textures of pure silk and polished red and blue fruits elevated by nuances of sweet spice. It finishes long and staining, with a subtle mineral tinge and hints of edgy tannins that pinch at the cheeks. The balance here is fantastic."
93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous
"Aromatically, it’s rich and evocative-baked black cherries, blueberry compote, fennel seed, and cocoa powder swirl with touches of dried tobacco and cedar shavings. The palate opens with generous layers of dark fruit and roasted spice, cushioned by a velvety mouthfeel and a plush, medium-full frame."
93 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
"Well sculpted and refined with sinewy black cherry and currant flavors that are highlighted by cigar box and black tea tones as it finishes with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,468 cases made."
92 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator