Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

2022
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

The 2022 Matthews Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a pale straw color with radiant green flecks in the glass. Struck flint aromatics combine with star fruit and lemon curd, flowing into floral notes of sweet pea and fresh cut flowers. The fresh creamy mouthfeel delivers a palate of lilac and lemongrass, with white currant and gooseberry. The pleasing acidity showcases passionfruit, scone, and a lingering minerality on the finish.

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Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Columbia Valley

Varietal(s)

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Vinification

Barrel fermented, ranging from 3 weeks to 4 months in various formats. Aged for 11 months in various format barrels from 225L, 265L, 300L, 500L, and 600L in size. Composition was 32% new French oak and 68% once and twice used oak, some Austrian. 48% of this wine was aged in 265L cigar barrels.

Alcohol

14.7%

Cases Produced

440

Vintage Notes

The 2022 Matthews Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is comprised of several vineyard parcels within the greater Columbia Valley. Key sites are from Horse Heaven Hills, Royal Slope, and Yakima Valley AVAs. This wine truly represents the broad flavor and aromatic expressions of Sauvignon Blanc from the diverse terroirs of Washington State. The winemaking team worked with vineyard managers to restrict yields, creating small, concentrated berries. Cool fall nights preserved freshness in the wine while continuing flavor development. Hand-harvesting took place in the early mornings in early October.

Once arriving at the winery, the fruit was sorted and whole cluster pressed. The juice was then moved to tank and cold settled for 24 hours. The cleaned juice was racked into varying formats of 32% new French oak and 68% used French and Austrian oak. Barrel fermentation ranged anywhere from 3 weeks to 4 months. Once fermentation was complete the wine was rested until Spring of 2023. Only 17 carefully selected barrels were blended and bottled unfined and unfiltered in August 2023 bottled, yielding as little as 440 cases.

Three separate clones were included in the final blend (Sauvignon Blanc: 1, 27, Gist).

Expert Reviews & Scores

  • Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

    95 / 100

    The stunning 2022 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from Matthews is also 100% Sauvignon Blanc fruit that is barrel fermented ranging from 3 weeks to 4 months, then rested for 7-11 months in new and used French oak. Only 17 selected barrels were picked for the wine, and it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The team purposely lets the fruit hang for a more extended period of time, which develops those yummy tropical aromas and flavors. Notes of ripe pineapple, starfruit, gooseberries, freshly cut grass, bitter herbs, and sandalwood are all present in the glass. Medium to full-bodied across the palate, it finishes rich and lush.

    Owen Bargreenowenbargreen.com

    95 / 100

    Set to be released in November 2022, this has several new vineyards as well as the Olsen and Spice Cabinet Vineyards. The wine saw some extended battonage and is also unfined and unfiltered. 100% varietal, and picked later during the growing season, the nose shows incredible richness and depth. Banana, lush melon fruits and starfruit tones mark the nose. The palate is rich and layered with a seamless texture that makes this glide throughout the drinking experience. This is a Chardonnay lovers Sauvignon Blanc that will live on for another eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031.

    Eric Guido, Vinous Media

    93 / 100

    The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc reserve blossoms with a green, tropical flourish of fruit and citrus, complemented by hints of sweet smoke. This is silky-smooth and nearly oily in feel, yet it's chock full of energy. A rich blend of ripe nectarine and peach flesh coasts through, as an air of almond custard forms toward the close. This finishes unexpectedly crisp and clean, with a lingering minerality and sapid length. The 2022 is just a baby today. It's full of potential.

  • Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

    94 / 100

    This Sauvignon Blanc is 100% barrel-aged, and for the Reserve, the vineyards are the same as the standard bottling with some Royal Slope sites added in. Blended with Musque clone, honeyed pear and ginger aromas, and cardamom spice (35% new oak). Sur lie ageing with the fleshy, rich texture of honeyed peach, spiced pear flavours and a saline character that lifts the wine's finish. Delicious.

    Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

    91 / 100

    This barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc delivered a jolt of acidity that made my lips smirk like Bruce Willis. There’s a wee lanolin scent here that accompanies aromas of lemon and banana. The medium-bodied wine tastes like a cantaloupe served with the clove, ginger and cinnamon flavors of chai tea.

    Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker

    93 / 100

    The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve reveals good depth and focus, accentuated by oak nuances that mingle with spicy and sweet citrus blossoms. This medium to full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc unfolds with succulent oak essences and crisp, refreshing acidity on the palate. The wine lingers with a creamy, decisive finish, swaying between citrus blossoms and lemon creamsicle flavors. It was bottled unfiltered and unfined intentionally, as a qualitative measure. 5,280 bottles produced.

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