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2015Reserve Claret

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2015Reserve Claret

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The 2015 Matthews Reserve Claret was crafted from several small vineyard parcels across three separate AVAs in Washington State: Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, and the Walla Walla Valley. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot to create maximum concentration in each cluster. They were hand-harvested in the early morning in the fall of 2015. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and then fermented in either concrete (87%) or stainless steel (13%) tanks. Using only the free-run wine, it was then moved to custom French oak barrels (80% new) for 22 months of cellaring with over 40 individual evaluations by our winemaking team. The resulting barrels were bottled, without fining or filtration, in mid-June 2018, producing only 482 cases.

Tasting Notes

Red and black currants, smoke, spiced plum and black cherry. Swirling brings up red fruits and sandalwood. Fresh, but ripe, with bright fruit and good tension. Long and smooth tannins with a finish of plum, blackberry and vanilla bean spice.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Hearty beef stew with root vegetables

Varietal Composition

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol

14.4%

Cases Produced

482

Drinkability

Now-2028

Awards & Accolades

"The 2015 Reserve Claret checks in as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that saw more new oak, spending 22 months in 80% new barrels. Similarly, inky colored, with beautiful blue fruits, violets, cedar and incense aromatics, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, fine, polished tannin, and nicely integrated acidity. It's balanced, has beautiful purity, and a great finish."

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

"Polished and well-built, with a firm and lively backbone wrapped in rich black cherry, lead pencil and spice flavors that finish with big but refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2020 through 2025."

92 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

AVAs

Red Mountain

Map Red Mountain 3 2
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
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