2020Red Mountain Claret
2020Red Mountain Claret
The 2020 Matthews Red Mountain Claret comes from several vineyards within the Red Mountain AVA: Quintessence, Canyons, and Hedges. After hand-harvesting in the early fall mornings, the fruit was hand-sorted and fermented using both stainless-steel tanks and French oak barrels. The free-run juice was cellared in French oak (82% new) for 20 months. Only 28 barrels were ultimately selected to be blended, and finally bottled in July 2022, resulting in only 672 cases.
A gorgeous, saturated crimson color in the glass, with wafting aromas of blackberry syrup and crème de cacao. On its full-bodied palate, notes of cherry wood, sweet spices, fig, and licorice stick. It is bright, with plush tannin structure. The finish is long with lingering flavors of coffee, cherry, dried violets, and Chambord.
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
Awards & Accolades
"The 2020 ‘Red Mountain Claret’ Red Wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (61%) with small portions Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot sourced from the Canyons, Hedges, Shaw, Red Mountain and Quintessence Vineyards. Once on the nose this takes on layers of creosote, blackberry cordial, and suggestions of chocolate pie. The palate is concentrated and plush with a seamless texture and good length. This is seriously good and generous Left Bank inspired wine that is best consumed now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037."
94 Points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
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
