2021Reserve Claret
2021Reserve Claret
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Concentrated dark garnet in the glass, the 2021 Matthews Reserve Claret is luxurious, round, and fresh. Decadent berry reduction, cedar spice, and rose petal aromatics combine with graphite and ripe plum accents. The expressive palate opens with Amarena cherry, boysenberry, cocoa powder, crushed rock, and hints of clove. The full-bodied mouthfeel is sexy with sweet, palate coating tannins and dramatic tension. Finishing long with loads of anise, sage, and cassis this wine will be very long-lived.
The 2021 Matthews Reserve Claret is comprised of several vineyard parcels within the greater Columbia Valley. Key sites are from Red Mountain AVA as well as Horse Heaven Hills AVA, allowing this wine to truly represent the broad flavor and aromatic expressions of the diverse terroir of our region.The winemaking team worked with vineyard managers to restrict yields, creating small, concentrated berries. Cool fall nights preserved a sense of freshness in the wine while continuing flavor development. Hand-harvesting took place in the early mornings of mid-October. At the winery, the fruit was cluster-sorted, destemmed and berry-sorted. After fermentation, the wine spent 30+ days in tank for extended maceration before being barreled down into varying formats of 100% new French oak. The wine was cellared for 21 months. 20 barrels were selected and carefully blended, producing only 490 cases.The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to ensure the wine in bottle is pure, vibrant, and intense.
Aged 21 months in 100% new French oak
Awards & Accolades
"My favorite of the 2021 Matthews lineup, the gorgeous, decadent, and brooding 2021 Reserve Claret blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc and is cellared in 100% new French oak for 21 months. A deep, focused, ruby-purple core is in contrast with its neon ruby rim and exhibits what is to come. Bountiful aromas of black and red fruits meld with notes of dried rose, red plum skins, black currants, cedary herbs, and grated clove that sits perfectly on the back palate. Perfectly balanced between the crunchy, sweet tannins and elevated acidity, it’s very polished with a near-perfect structure. Enjoy this one in a couple of years and then over the next 15 or more. 490 cases crafted. $195 2025-2040"
- 97 points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
"... the 2021 Reserve Claret... stands out as a masterclass among its peers. The wines from Matthews in 2021 elevate above and beyond their previous quality levels, showcasing a remarkable improvement. The wine bursts with juicy, firm and fresh characteristics, displaying layers of complexity that culminate in a long, succulent finish. Bravo. Don't miss the chance to experience this extraordinary American Claret, produced in limited quantities with only 5,880 bottles. It was aged for 21 months in 100% new French Oak, contributing to its depth and sophistication. Give this a try; you won't be disappointed"
- 96+ points, Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker
"The incredible 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Claret is mainly comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%). The wine is a thrilling joyride of texture, weight and bright underlying tension. The palate shows opulent creme de violette, espresso and garrigue notes that combine with boysenberry pie and shades of scorched earth. The underlying structure seems to match perfectly with the weight, as this beauty really needs an hour or two in the decanter if enjoying in its full-bodied youth. Drink 2023-2038"
- 96 points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
"Sweet sage, cedary spice and dried black cherries flow as the 2021 Claret Reserve come to life in the glass. Pure and elegant, the 2021 is savory and polished, with depths of mineral-tinged red and black fruits. It takes on a pleasantly bitter tinge toward the close, with a dusting of cocoa combined with residual acidity that creates a push-and-pull of tension. This finishes quite potent, with a balanced structure that will guarantee over a decade of positive evolution. This is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It saw 100% new French oak for 21 months."
- 95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media
