Reserve Cuvée

2020
Reserve Cuvée

Dark ruby to mahogany in color, the 2020 Matthews Reserve Cuvée elicits aromas of sarsaparilla cedar and blackberry bramble. On the palate, ripe raspberries are met with flavors of cherry cordial and tobacco leaf. The mouthfeel is ripe, with plush tannins and big, ripe flavors, while preserving energy on the palate. The finish is pleasurable with palate-coating tannins and delicious blueberry filled scone.

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Vintages

Varietal(s)

71% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

Vinification

Fermented in 21% French oak barrel and 79% stainless steel. Aged 22 months in new and used French oak barrels.

Alcohol

14.7

Cases Produced

696

Vintage Notes

The 2020 Matthews Reserve Cuvée was crafted from several vineyards across four separate AVAs: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, and White Bluffs. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. The fruit was hand-harvested in the early mornings between September and October of 2020. Upon arriving in the winery, the fruit was cluster-sorted, berry-sorted, and fermented in both stainless steel (79%) and French oak (21%). The free-run wine was cellared for 22 months in French oak barrels (82% new). Only 28 of our highest-grade barrels were selected and bottled in July of 2022, producing only 696 cases.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com

92 / 100

Leading off with the 2020 Reserve Cuvée, this blend of 71% Merlot, 11% Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot comes from a mix of vineyards and was raised in new and used French oak. Ripe blackcurrants, smoky oak, chocolate, sagebrush, and leafy tobacco notes define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a firm, focused mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and good length. Give it a few years and it should emerge as a balanced, elegant blend to drink over the following decade.

James Sucklingjamessuckling.com

92 / 100

Attractive nose of blackberries, rosemary, bitter chocolate, sage and toasted hazelnuts. Full-bodied and structured, with layers of dark fruit and dried spice, bound together by firm, tight-grained tannins. Dark tar notes at the end. 71% merlot, 11% malbec, 7% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Drink in 2024.

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