Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely planted grape and the most popular wine in the world, for good reason. Its history traces back to the Left Bank of Bordeaux, where gravel-rich soils provided an ideal environment for the variety to ripen fully and build structure. From Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon found a celebrated home in California, where climate and clientele embraced its depth, texture, and evocative aromatics.
Now widely planted across the Columbia Valley, our region offers near-perfect conditions for this iconic grape. Warm days and cool nights drive ripe fruit, freshness, and supple tannin, delighting those who seek a pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. When our terroir is fully harnessed, Columbia Valley Cabernet earns its place in blind tastings and on the tables of connoisseurs across the United States and around the world.
2022 Matthews Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon draws from several standout parcels within this iconic AVA. Key sites include Wallula Gap, Phinny Hill, and Milt’s, allowing the wine to reflect the breadth of Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavor and aromatic expression from one of Washington’s most distinctive AVAs.
The winemaking team worked closely with vineyard managers to restrict yields, producing small, concentrated berries. Cool fall nights preserved freshness while flavors developed. Hand harvesting took place in the early mornings of mid-October.
At the winery, fruit was destemmed and berry sorted. Primary fermentations ran an average of 14 to 17 days, followed by an additional 2 to 3 weeks in tank to encourage extended maceration. The wine was then barreled into 100% new French oak (Darnajou, Taransaud, Gamba) and cellared for 21 months. Fourteen barrels were selected for the final blend, yielding 336 cases. Bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity, vibrancy, and intensity.
Final blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone 8).
