Today we share an iconic new project — a collaboration between Matthews owner Bryan Otis and famed winemaker Todd Alexander. Avallé today announced this new project which is an exploration of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from elite sites across the Columbia Valley AVA. The initial release includes three wines from the 2021 vintage, each a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Conner Lee (Columbia Valley), Solaksen (Royal Slope), and Heart of the Hill (Red Mountain). “Avallé is focused on empowering remarkable winemakers with select vineyards to showcase the dynamic range of what the Columbia Valley has to offer,” said Bryan Otis, Proprietor of Avallé. “Our region is only as great as our vineyards, and the winemakers who craft wine from them. I am thrilled to partner with Todd Alexander on From the Sky Down. Todd is a true talent who can coax out the unique characteristics of each vineyard and maximize its potential. Our region is lucky to have him here.” The wines will be exclusively poured at Atelier Freewater which is an exclusive tasting room owned by Carrie and Todd Alexander.
The family behind Matthews Winery recently created Avallé (pronounced “Ah-va-lay”) to combine its growing portfolio of wines (Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, Blackboard, and Single Barrel) into one collection. The name, From the Sky Down, which implies terroir, encompasses all the elements that impact each site and vintage. The new wines were extraordinary. I love the new 2021 From The Sky Down ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection and is deep and concentrated wine that has a long way to go in the cellar.
2021 From The Sky Down ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from plantings from 1987 and 1992 plantings, with 5% Merlot added, the 2021 From The Sky Down ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich kirsch cordial and creme de cassis notes alongside sagebrush and sweet pipe tobacco notes on the nose. The palate is soft and plush with a refined texture and serious sense of weight. Salty soils, ultra-refined tannins and a lengthy finish complete this beautiful wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2040- 99
2021 From The Sky Down ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This beautiful wine comes from Block 5 in the vineyard, with mainly Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon which is the most widely planted clone in the Napa Valley. Once on the nose this shows walnut tones on the nose alongside cassis, anise and exotic spices. There is a brilliant fruit spectrum on the palate, ranging from red to dark fruit alongside espresso grounds, graphite and scorched earthy tones. Drink 2024-2040- 97
2021 From The Sky Down ‘Heart of The Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2021 From The Sky Down ‘Heart of The Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this brilliant site on Red Mountain. This wine comes from a single block in the vineyard (Clone 2) as this was stored in 75% new French oak before bottling. Turkish coffee and Asian spices mark the nose alongside black tea, blackberry compote and violet rose petals. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is intense and very dense with refined texture and serious verve. A total stunner, this is going to be a head-turning wine for decades to come. Drink 2024-2045- 99