It has been several years since I have featured this Woodinville mainstay. Considering the consistent level of beautiful wines that they craft, a feature is considerably overdue. Matthews winery is set just outside the wine square of Woodinville, in a relaxed, countryside atmosphere. A few years back they made some really nice renovations to their tasting room. I can’t wait for the tasting rooms to reopen so I can utilize their outdoor space.
Matthews relies on the talented hands of Aryn Morell who consults for a host of exceptional Washington wineries. One of the great winemakers in the state, Morell has had previous jobs at some of the best Napa estates including Joseph Phelps, Quintessa, Chimney Rock, Vineyard 29, Chappellet, Stags Leap Winery, and Turnbull. He became head winemaker for Matthews in 2007 and Morell sources his grapes from some great vineyards in Washington like Stillwater Creek, Lawrence Weinbau and Sagemoor Vineyards. All Matthews wines are made at Aryn's production facility in Walla Walla.
Several months ago I tasted with Aryn, as he gave me a good background on the wines. HE has a deft touch on white wines and I love the 2018 Matthews Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) which has great freshness but also good richness, with a light dusting of salinity. This is a wine that is great to enjoy in its youth but also has some cellaring potential. I love the 2016 Matthews Merlot (WWB, 92) has awesome balance, weight and freshness from this warm vintage in the Columbia valley. Learn more about Matthews at http://www.matthewswinery.com/ Here are the great new releases by Matthews.
2018 Matthews Sauvignon Blanc- The 2018 Matthews Sauvignon Blanc shows tremendous freshness and acidity with layers of kiwi, white peach and shades of green apple with lemongrass undertones that all take shape on the palate, accented by a light salinity. The outstanding finish lingers. Enjoy this wonderful bright wine in its youth while the intensity remains. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2018 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc- Seriously good right now, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc shows impressive texture and finesse with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of ripe pear, gooseberry and shades of nutmeg and clove, with French bread tones all combine on the palate. Having really good length, this outstanding new wine will enjoy another five to seven years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2017 Blackboard Red Wine- A melange of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah, the Blackboard Red Wine shows forward fruity tones with toasty oak and shades of cinnamon and cloves alongside the chocolate fudge core. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2016 Matthews Claret- The 2016 Claret shows layers of toasty oak that wrap around a core of bkackberries, black currants and cigar box flavors with chocolate tones. While only 32% Merlot, the dusting of cocoa powder seems to be playing first chair at this juncture. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2016 Matthews Merlot- Sourced from a host of Columbia Valley vineyards, the 2016 Matthews Merlot was aged in 50% new French oak for 21 months before bottling. This is classic Washington Merlot with its classy texture and soft mouthfeel that makes this glide across the mid-palate. Juicy red cherry and blackberry tones combine with chocolate cake and sagebrush undertones on the palate. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2017 Matthews ‘Cuvee’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Cuvee’ blends Merlot (49%) with Cabernet Franc (31%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). Aged in a slightly smaller portion of new French oak (28%) the wine delivers lighter herbal undertones that mingle with the good sense of minerality and soft texture alongside a core of dark kirsch and blackberry flavors. This beautiful wine that has really good balance will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 92
2017 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Stillwater Creek, Solaksen, Dinoysus, Quintessence, Canyons, Shaw 3 and Pepper Bridge vineyards, the 2017 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon shows a silly texture and layers of black fruits with minerals and soft tannins with a long, generous finish. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 92