2023Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
2023Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
This was a high botrytis pressure year for Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in incredibly low yields, somewhat less overt ripe expressions, and a strong vein of freshness. We pivoted heavily into the Cigar shaped barrels, making up more than 2/3rds of this blend. Though this was an increase in lees surface area to wine ration, we ended up doing less battonage in order to preserve a sense of tension and elegance rather than flamboyance- more accurately expressing the vintage characteristics.
The 2023 Matthews Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a deep straw and maize in color. Jasmine and fresh meadow aromatics flow into lemon curd and green tea nuances. The fresh creamy mouthfeel delivers a palate of honeycomb and grapefruit, with lychee and sweet almond. The luxurious weight and acidic structure showcase a heady finish of crushed rock, creme fraiche, and orange oil.
Awards & Accolades
"Barrel-fermented and full-bodied, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve is unctuous in wet stone and floral aromatics, but most memorably impressive for its texture and weightlessness. Rich, ripe layers of apricot and passionfruit benefit from bright acidity and a backbone of structure, graceful through its inherent power. This will continue to develop further over the next 10-12 years."
-96 points, Virginie Boone, jebdunnuck.com
"The totally stunning 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding wine that shows off the warmth of the vintage. The wine was stored in mainly new French oak (mostly cigar-shaped and large format barrels) and saw some battonage. Ripe peach and honeysuckle notes combine with shades of nutmeg dusted brioche on the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious texture. Enjoy this beautiful, mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2031- 95"
-95 points Owen Bargreen, Owenbargreen.com
"The reserve is barrel fermented in a variety of formats, then aged in 87% new oak prior to bottling. It’s smoother and toastier than the regular ’23, deftly designed to complement without contradicting the less expensive wine. Both have great appeal, though they hit the palate with distinct differences. The reserve pushes the alcohol up, softens the palate, has a more seamless mouthfeel. Riper fruit flavors fall on orchard fruits and drift into melon."
-94 points, Paul Gregutt, Northwest Wine Guide
"The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve is spicy and vividly fresh with a savory herbal tinge that gives way to tones of ginger, lemon curd and crushed stone. Soothingly round and supple, it splashes across the palate with a gorgeous blend of ripe orchard fruits and candied citrus notes. The 2023 finishes with exceptional length and potency yet is still remarkably fresh, leaving a hint of young kiwi that fades slowly."
-93 points Eric Guido, Vinous
"A generous and rich sauvignon blanc, offering ripe quince, hints of tropical fruit, dried lemon peel, honeysuckle and some toasty undertones. Mouth-filling and a little waxy on the palate, yet very balanced, dense and rich, with a lively pace and a long, delicious finish. Drink or hold."
-93 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
