2019Reserve Merlot
2019Reserve Merlot
The 2019 Matthews Reserve Merlot was crafted from several vineyards across four separate AVAs in Washington State: Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Royal Slope and the Walla Walla Valley. 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 mornings between September 6th – October 3rd, 2019. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and fermented in 61% concrete, 39% stainless steel. Using only the free-run wine, it was moved to custom French oak barrels for 25 months of cellaring with over 40 individual evaluations by our winemaking team. The resulting 26 barrels were bottled, without fining or filtration, producing only 432 cases.
The 2019 Matthews Reserve Merlot shows a deep ruby to purple hue with aromas of black cherry and red fruits such as pomegranate, bright red cherries, and raspberry compote. The primary fruit aromas are followed by savory herbs, conditioned leather and cobblestones. On the palate, the red fruit expression continues with red currants and red plum, mingled with bramble fruits, cola, candied walnut, blood orange zest and beef au jus. The wine is medium bodied with subtle acidity. The broad tannins on the front of the palate resolve toward the finish. The texture on the finish is finessed, showing more red and black fruits, and a redolent floral quality.
97% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon
Awards & Accolades
"Lastly, the 2019 Merlot Reserve is another incredibly impressive release from this team. Cassis, black cherries, graphite, scorched earth, and spicy oak give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, plush, sexy, incredibly seamless Merlot that's balanced, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. You can't go wrong with any of these new releases from this estate."
- 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
AVAs
Red Mountain
Red Mountain
- 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