2021 Matthews Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 

The 2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in the glass with purple hues. The rich bouquet of spiced black plum and cocoa nib are balanced with aromas of fresh earth and crushed flint. Intense and opulent flavors of ripe blackberry, cedar, mocha, and black currant coat the broad and balanced palate and the ripe tannin creates a perfect frame for the lush fruit expression. Cherry cordial and cola linger on the long, quenching finish.

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15%Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

TASTING NOTES: 

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is based on 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. A rocking wine offering ample red and black plum-like fruit, chocolate, tobacco, and subtle violet-like aromas and flavors, I t's full-bodied and has a terrific mid-palate, velvety tannins, and a great finish.

- Jeb Dunnuck, 93 pts. 

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is spicy, showing off a gentle peppery tinge and dusty rose tones that give way to dried black cherries. This is wonderfully crisp and refined, with silky textures and depths of dark red fruit propelled by juicy acidity. It tapers off long and structured, yet the tannins are quite sweet. The 2021 finishes with a pleasant crunch and a lingering licorice tinge.

- Vinous, 93 pts. 

Precise and expressive, with handsome flavors of blackberry, bay leaf and espresso that build richness and structure toward refined tannins.

- Wine Spectator, 93 pts. 

Ripe blue and black fruit on the nose, from dark plums, baked blueberries and mint to wet earth. It’s full-bodied, rich and deep, with excellent concentration and focus. Firm yet ripe, berry-soaked tannins. 76% cabernet sauvignon with merlot, cabernet franc and a dash of petit verdot.

- James Suckling, 92 pts. 

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, blended with 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, displays a clean and fresh profile with balanced acidity. It unfolds on the palate with layers of complexity, featuring notes of pencil lead, juicy plum skin and blackberry flavors. The wine balances ripeness and freshness with broad shoulders and a fresh expression that leads to a spicy finish. Rating:91+

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 pts. 

A very spring-like cherry blossom and raspberry aroma combination is counter pointed by notes of leather and bone broth. Cherries are again on the palate, where they are joined by dark chocolate and balsa wood flavors. The tannins are currently a bit grippy, with a medium amount of acidity.

- Wine Enthusiast, 91 pts.