Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Matthews Cuvée Columbia Valley 2021

Product Story

Made with a blend of 65% Merlot, 27% Cab Franc, and 8% Malbec. The grapes are sourced from a number of small vineyards in Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The fruit was hand-harvested in the early mornings in the months of September and October. The fruit was hand-sorted and placed in stainless steel tanks for a 30-day maceration. Post primary fermentation the wine was cellared for 19 months in French oak barrels — 40% new. Finally, barrel selections were made and blended and bottled. The resulting wine is amazingly complex while quite approachable with an opulent texture. A superb expression of a Merlot-led red blend and a true expression of Columbia Valley fruit.

Brand Story

In 2008, the Otis family, Washington natives, rescued Matthews Winery from financial difficulties and have worked diligently to take Matthews to greater heights. Matthews Winery is very terroir focused as well, having collections of wines hailing from Royal Slope, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, and Columbia Valley. Head Winemaker Alex Stewart takes a minimalistic approach, working as gently as possible with the fruit and studying the world's top wines to get ideas for new winemaking tactics. Matthews is focused on Bordeaux varietals — Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and classic Bordeaux style blends. Since reviving Matthews Winery the Otis family has also launched four additional Washington State wine projects called, Tenor, Jaine, Blackboard, and Single Barrel.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and elderberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, earth, and a playful, sweet garrigue note. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black plum, cocoa, black currant, black tea, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.

How to Serve

This wine really needs nothing but a glass. We recommend decanting this wine before service as it will allow it to fully bloom. Serve with charcuterie, braised beef, or seared duck breast.

Price: $ 55

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4372