Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

2021
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

The 2021 Matthews Reserve Sauvignon Blanc has the straw yellow color of a Linden blossom. This unfiltered wine shows its raw purity in the form of some slight turbidity. Wet stone and chalky aromatics combine with more floral and fruity intensity of white nectarine, Asian pear, bergamot, and cut spring flowers. The generous mouthfeel delivers a palate of orange liqueur, tea spice, flower nectar, and the visceral chalky texture of an oyster shell. The balanced acidity and breadth of the wine are rounded out with subtle oak, orange cream, and a long, spicy finish.

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Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Royal Slope

Varietal(s)

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Vinification

Fermented in 100% French oak. Aged 12 months in 75% new French oak, varying format

Alcohol

14.7

Cases Produced

809

Vintage Notes

The 2021 Matthews Reserve Sauvignon Blanc was made with fruit grown from Bacchus, La Reyna Blanca, Coventry Vale, and Conner Lee Vineyards. Some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in the state were harvested for this multi-layered and expressive wine. A warm vintage and low yields meant that the fruit harvested for this reserve Sauvignon Blanc was ripe, concentrated, and showed exceptional varietal typicity. Each vine was cultivated and harvested by hand, processed by gentle whole cluster pressing, and blanketed with inert gas to preserve aromatic intensity. After 24 hours cold settling, multiple yeasts were selected for layering and complexity. Fermentation in various sizes of 100% French oak barrels was slow and cool, while the lees were stirred frequently for body and structure. Secondary fermentation was blocked so freshness and aromatic complexity could be retained while the resulting wine softened in barrel for 12 months. This wine was cold stabilized and bottled unfiltered for maximum purity and intensity. Only 809 cases produced.

Expert Reviews & Scores

  • Owen Bargreenowenbargreen.com

    95 / 100

    The totally stunning 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding wine that shows off the warmth of the vintage. Stored in roughly 35% new French oak, this saw extended battonage. On the nose this shows baking spice dusted brioche, papaya and shades of roasted pineapple on the nose. The palate is smooth and beautifully textured, with outstanding weight and length. Unfined and unfiltered, this beauty will live on for another eight plus years and is just sensational to enjoy now. Drink 2023-2031.

    Eric Guido, Vinous Media

    92 / 100

    The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve opens with a pleasantly rich bouquet of lemon zest, baked pears and crushed stone. This is a deeply textural blend of savory and sweet elements. A core of citrus-tinged acidity and saline minerality complicates crunchy green apple fruit. This tapers off with tremendous length and concentration but is amazingly fresh, leaving a sour melon twang. This product of a warm vintage is gorgeous, refined for 12 months in 75% new French oak.

    James Sucklingjamessuckling.com

    91 / 100

    This has aromas of chopped apples, fresh pears, lemons, salted almonds and a hint of nutmeg. It’s creamy and textured, with a medium body and tangy acidity. I like the saline and spice undertones. Drink now or hold.

  • Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

    93 / 100

    Unfined and unfiltered, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve presents a fresh, oaky and citrusy nose. Gorgeously fresh and full-bodied, the wine packs a punch on the palate with considerable weight, a spicy touch and a good balance of acidity and roundness. The finish is pronounced with a spicy and creamy mouthfeel that brings me back for more. Don’t let the haze scare you away from enjoying this wine. The wine fermented in all French oak, 75% new, and will be best when enjoyed with food. 9,708 bottles produced.

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