2021 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, and cassis integrate with savory notes of lead pencil, dried herbs, and a hint of cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and exceptionally polished, featuring a core of ripe forest fruit and a seamless, velvety texture. It displays refined, structural tannins and a balanced acidity that leads to a long, sophisticated finish marked by a touch of toasted oak and mineral grit.

Winemaker Bryan Irvine utilizes a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. In the cellar, the fruit is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks using native yeasts to enhance the wine’s natural depth. The wine matures for twenty-one months in 100% new French oak barrels. This extensive aging process allows the bold fruit and firm mountain tannins to integrate perfectly, resulting in a wine with significant weight and a high level of aromatic precision.

The fruit is grown in the Columbia Valley of Washington State, sourced from prestigious sites including the Quincy Diatomaceous, Connor-Lee, and Solaksen vineyards. The site is defined by its diverse soils of wind-blown loess and fractured basalt, which provide excellent drainage and stress the vines for concentrated fruit. These vineyards benefit from the region’s long, sun-drenched days and cool desert nights, allowing the grapes to achieve full ripeness while maintaining the structural freshness that defines the Matthews style.