2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2018 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from several vineyards across three separate AVAs in Washington State: Red Mountain (79%), Columbia Valley (17%), and the Walla Walla Valley (4%). Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. They were then hand-harvested in the early mornings of September 5th – November 3rd, 2018. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and then fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks. Using only the free-run wine, it was then moved to custom French oak barrels for cellaring with over 40 individual evaluations by our winemaking team. The resulting 19 barrels were bottled, without fining or filtration, on September 18, 2020, producing only 490 cases.

Bottle: $80

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"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve sports a deep ruby hue as well as spicy, Bordeaux-like notes of red and black currants, new leather, tobacco, and spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied and nicely textured, with ripe tannins, it's going to benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar and cruise for at least 10-15 years. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot aged 22 months in mostly new French oak."

94 points - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

Tasting Notes

Black currants, sultry raspberry, dried strawberry, and plum skin with a hint of vanilla bean, black tea and mocha. Swirling brings a touch of sweet red fruits, dried herbs and wood spice. The palate is beautifully framed, with freshness, terrific density, persistent black fruits and silky tannins. Ageable, but the texture of the vintage allows for vibrant consumption now.