Three Growing Regions

The 2023 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of both the remarkable diversity of Washington State's growing regions and the welcome consistency of the 2023 vintage. Sourced from seven distinguished vineyards across three Columbia Valley appellations, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brings together the distinct characteristics of Horse Heaven Hills (56%), Royal Slope (22%), and Red Mountain (22%).

After several years of challenging weather extremes, the 2023 growing season offered a refreshing return to normalcy. A cool spring gave way to a warm, steady summer, followed by favorable fall conditions that allowed grapes to develop concentration and phenolic maturity without the urgency of an approaching weather event. For Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that benefits from a long, measured ripening period, this consistency provided an ideal opportunity to build depth while preserving balance and freshness.

What makes this Reserve particularly compelling is the relationship between its three growing regions. Horse Heaven Hills, known for its persistent winds and well-drained soils, provides the foundation of the blend, contributing concentration and structure. The Royal Slope, with its elevated vineyards and varied exposures, brings another dimension of complexity, while the intensely sunlit slopes of Red Mountain contribute the depth and powerful tannic architecture for which the appellation is celebrated. Together, these contrasting landscapes create a Cabernet Sauvignon with a sense of place that extends well beyond any single vineyard.

Fruit was hand-harvested throughout October 2023 from Canyons, Milt's, Phinny Hill, Quintessence, Shaw, Solaksen, and Wallula Gap vineyards. Following harvest, the wine underwent 14 days of primary fermentation in oak barrels, with extended maceration bringing total time on grape skins to 30 days. It was then aged for 23 months in 100% new oak, allowing the individual vineyard components to develop and integrate before the final selection.

Just 18 barrels were produced, yielding 445 cases of the 2023 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Bottled on September 11, 2025, this wine captures the exceptional balance of the vintage while showcasing the strength, elegance, and complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon grown across Washington's most celebrated vineyards.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Courtney Humiston, jamessuckling.com

97 / 100

“A silky and enticing wine with aromas of plums, crushed rocks and violets. Very complete and seamless, with a silky texture, refined tannins and flavors of raspberries, marionberries and pastry. Full-bodied. Delicious now, but can hold.”

Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

97 / 100

The 2023 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley presents a deep, impenetrable obsidian core that transitions into a vibrant garnet rim. This pure 100% Cabernet bottling, shaped by nearly two years in fresh French oak barrique, leads with an intense concentration of mountain huckleberry and crushed black currants. The palate is defined by the unique, silken moon-dust texture of Conner Lee Vineyard, while the structural power of Red Mountain fruit provides a firm yet velvety frame. Savory notes of anise and crushed violet emerge alongside a distinct iron-like minerality native to the Royal Slope. This cellar-worthy selection requires a few years to fully integrate and is best enjoyed alongside a dry-aged ribeye served with a huckleberry reduction, as the wine's assertive tannins and concentrated dark fruit will effortlessly slice through the rich marbling of the beef. Better in 2028. Highly recommended.

Virginie Boone, jebdunnuck.com

96 / 100

All varietal, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is picked specifically to make a reserve-tier wine and is aged over 23 months in all new French oak barrique. Brooding dark fruit highlights a palate of supple tannins, with a hint of grip as spiced aromatics and floral beauty unfurl. Minerality from the Royal Slope complements the fruit intensity and structure from Red Mountain grapes, with the moon-dust texture deriving from Conner Lee. This is a balanced, finessed wine that should age with ease; drink 2028-2038.

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