Reserve Claret

2020
Reserve Claret

The 2020 Matthews Reserve Claret shows a beautiful medium ruby to dark cherry color with aromas of tobacco leaf, black currant, fruit cake, morello cherries and beeswax. The confectionary qualities continue on the palate with flavors of boysenberry syrup, blackberry crumble, nougat, Mexican drinking chocolate and black walnut. The mouthfeel has voluminous weight with building tannin. The finish is long with notes of cola spice, dark fruits, and cocoa powder.

Buy Now $105

Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Royal Slope

Varietal(s)

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec

Vinification

Fermented 82% in stainless steel, 18% in French oak barrels. Aged 21 months in 82% new French oak, 18% once used French oak.

Alcohol

14.9%

Cases Produced

691

Vintage Notes

The 2020 Matthews Reserve Claret was crafted from several vineyards across 6 separate AVAs: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, White Bluffs, Walla Walla Valley, and Royal Slope. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. They were hand-harvested in the early morning between September and October of 2020. Upon arriving in the winery, the fruit was cluster-sorted, berry-sorted, and fermented in both stainless steel (82%) and French oak (18%). The free-run wine was cellared for 21 months in French oak barrels (82% new). Only 28 of our highest-grade barrels were selected and bottled in July of 2022, producing only 691 cases.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com

93 / 100

... the 2020 Reserve Claret is based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% each Merlot and Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a perfumed bouquet of cassis, candied cherries, violets, and Asian spices. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, structured, tannic wine with a firm yet concentrated mid-palate, notable purity of fruit, and outstanding length. Give bottles a few years in the cellar, and it should evolve for 15 years or more.

James Sucklingjamessuckling.com

92 / 100

A firm and structured red blend with cedar, blackcurrants, nutmeg, toasted walnuts and bay leaves on the nose. Full-bodied with a sturdy tannin frame and a solid core of black fruit and dark spice. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 7% petit verdot and 4% malbec. Try from 2025.

Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

94 / 100

Juicy, fresh and brimming with black raspberry and plummy aromas, the 2020 Reserve Claret features a vibrant freshness that bursts from the glass. This medium to full-bodied wine is succulent and vibrant, with a fresh and bright character and a crisp and balanced finish. Its freshness and juiciness are complemented by a ripe frame of oaky undertones, enveloping a sappy core of succulent fruit and ripe, spicy finesse. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, this delightful Claret was aged for 22 months in 82% new French oak and offers a compelling experience with every sip.

Trade Materials