Matthews Cuvée Columbia Valley 2021

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Columbia Valley

Varietal Red Blend

Retail Price $55

ABV 14.8%

Score 4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, dark ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and elderberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, earth, and a playful, sweet garrigue note.

Flavor

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.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.

Cool Factor

We love beautifully-made red blends from great appellations. This wine checks all the boxes for us and it's certifiably cool!

Value Grade

At $55 a bottle it's certainly beyond many wine drinkers weeknight budget but considering the pedigree and the fact that this wine will age very gracefully we find it to be a value.

Analysis

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.

How to Enjoy

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.