2018 Claret

The 2018 Matthews Claret comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, and Red Mountain. Harvested by hand in the early morning between September 5th, 2018 – November 12th, 2018, it was then hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both concrete and stainless steel tanks. The free-run wine was cellared in French oak barrels. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 141 barrels were ultimately selected to be blended, and finally bottled November 18, 2020.

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"Chocolatey red and black fruits, iron, leafy herbs, and graphite notes are just some of its nuances, and it has good ripeness while not being over the top. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, building tannins, and good sense of freshness, all making for a solid, outstanding Bordeaux blend to enjoy any time over the coming 15 years or so."

92 points - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

Tasting Notes

Black currants, vanilla bean, hint of strawberry and plum skin. Swirling brings up blackberry, dark spice, and sandalwood. The palate is ripe and dense with great texture. Sweet muddled black fruits, some savory spice, super fine tannins, and a fresh lifted finish. It will age beautifully.