Reserve Merlot

2018
Reserve Merlot

Deep in color with aromatics of ripe raspberry, plum skin, currants, dried strawberry, herbs, caramelized sugar, and fresh roasted coffee. Great volume on the palate, with notes of fresh red fruits and incredibly tactile tannins. A wine with versatility and texture that only Washington State could produce.

Vintages

Varietal(s)

90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification

Fermented in 54% concrete and 46% stainless steel. Aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak.

Alcohol

14.4%

Cases Produced

341

Vintage Notes

The 2018 Matthews Reserve Merlot was crafted from small vineyard parcels within the Royal Slope, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and Columbia Valley AVAs. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot to create maximum concentration in each cluster. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early mornings between September 12th and October 19th, 2018.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Owen Bargreen, Vinous

92 / 100

The 2018 Merlot Reserve was sourced from the four separate AVAs and blends 90% Merlot with small portions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Voluptuous and soft in the mouth, it shows off black tea, exotic spices and blackberry compote flavors alongside suggestions of tar. Dense and full-bodied with a silky texture, this delicious offering will cellar well for another 15 years.

Trade Materials