Reserve Merlot

2020
Reserve Merlot

The 2020 Matthews Reserve Merlot shows bright garnet in the glass with aromas of Turkish coffee, sweet cigar wrapper, blackberry compote, camphor and snap pea. Ample structure on the palate with flavors of raw cacao, cherry skin, chicory root, cranberry, and pomegranate. Mouth-coating tannins provide a pleasing astringency on this long, floral, bright cherry finish.

Buy Now $95

Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Columbia Valley

Varietal(s)

89% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc

Vinification

Fermented 89% in stainless steel, 11% in French oak barrels. Aged 21 months in 100% new French oak.

Alcohol

14.7%

Cases Produced

415

Vintage Notes

The 2020 Matthews Reserve Merlot was crafted from several vineyards across 3 separate AVAs: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, and White Bluffs. 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 and October 2020. Upon arriving in the winery, the fruit was cluster-sorted, berry-sorted, and then fermented in a combination of stainless steel (89%) and barrel (11%). The free-run wine was then cellared for 21 months in new French oak barrels. Only 18 of our highest-grade barrels were selected and bottled in July 2022, producing only 415 cases.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Keith Beaversvinepair.com

92 / 100

From the Matthews Winery reserve line, this is a great Washington state Merlot that is begging for a food pairing. It has a distinct nose with a saline channel running through deep-roasted fruit notes. The alcohol is prominent, but fits well with the sturdy tannins and depth of fruit. Good medium acidity holds up the wine.

Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com

90 / 100

The 2020 Merlot Reserve (89% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc) offers more black cherry, leather, dried herb, and chocolate notions in a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, tannic style that softens slightly with air. (I followed these bottles for multiple days.) With good purity of fruit as well as a balanced, layered mouthfeel, it's another wine from this team that needs to be hidden in the cellar for 2-4 years.

Trade Materials