Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

2023
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

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.

Buy Now $75

Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Columbia Valley

Varietal(s)

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Vinification

Aged in the same barrel that it was fermented in for 11 months, 87% new French oak

Alcohol

14.7%

Cases Produced

440

Vintage Notes

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.

Customer Reviews

Danielle R., Seattle

Decanted it for about an hour and it just kept opening up all night. You can feel how concentrated the fruit is. Found a bit of sediment in the last pour, which for me is a good sign they didn't strip anything out of it.

Expert Reviews & Scores

  • Virginie Boonejebdunnuck.com

    96 / 100

    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.

    Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

    95 / 100

    Juicy Meyer lemon, curd, minerality and brilliant acids. Yellow plums, six different yeasts allow them to really dial this wine in. It's creamy, but taut and upright. Malo is arrested to maintain the fresh character.

    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. 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

  • Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

    94 / 100

    A creamy core is buoyed by subtle acidity, delivering length and shape without compromising its plushness. Hints of brûléed citrus and toasted coconut emerge toward the finish, adding further complexity and allure. The wine walks a fine line between opulence and structure-richly detailed, yet never overwhelming. There’s a silken quality throughout, underscored by a mineral thread that keeps the wine grounded.

    Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

    93 / 100

    The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve was matured for 11 months in 87% new French oak. It has layered aromas of white peach, kiwi, beeswax and green herbs. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with concentrated, tropical flavors. It’s balanced by fireworks of fresh acidity and has a long, textural finish. 440 cases produced.

    Eric Guido, Vinous

    93 / 100

    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.

  • James Sucklingjamessuckling.com

    93 / 100

    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.

    Trade Materials