Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2021

93 points Wine Spectator: "Precise and expressive, with handsome flavors of blackberry, bay leaf and espresso that build richness and structure toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031." 96 points Paul Gregutt: "Three quarters Cabernet Sauvignon, one quarter a mix of Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. More a Bordeaux blend than a pure Cab. The instant impression is that careful blending has made this a more complete wine, taken off some of the edges you find with a pure varietal, and smoothed the tannins. The grapes were drawn from more than a dozen vineyards scattered across seven AVAs – unusual to say the least and labor intensive for sure. Some of Washington’s most storied Cabernets require extra cellaring to show themselves properly, but this wine hits the mark spot on. Cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, cold coffee, touches of licorice, anise and graphite – the more you taste, the more you taste. A very impressive debut for the new winemaking team, and a fine value given the quality.  Simply delicious! Black plums, black currants, and blackberries meet cedar, mocha, and cocoa in this prime example of Columbia Valley Cab. Marrying decadence and elegance is no easy feat but this winemaking team does it with ease. The rich and juicy finish lingers with cherry cordial and subtle spice. It drinks remarkably well for a young Cabernet and will continue to deliver deliciousness for at least a decade. -Marcus The most extraordinary winemaking coup in the history of the Pacific Northwest wine industry. That might sound like an exaggeration but actually, it might be an understatement. Nothing like it has ever happened in Oregon or Washington wine. In July of 2021, the winemaking team at Quilceda Creek—yes, the most famous Cabernet producer in Washington and one of the most famous in the world—jumped ship. They all arrived at the same, new destination: Matthews. The trio of lead winemaker Alex Stewart (17 years at QC) and his assistants Jesse Schmidt and Hal Iverson (10 years each at QC) arrived at Matthews just in time to welcome grapes from the magnificent 2021 vintage. The imagined potential—the potential solely on paper—had us licking our chops. The combined years of experience in the cellar of a legendary producer, the chance to show off their chops through a new lens and stellar vintage. It's seriously drool-worthy. Well, grab your napkins or use your sleeve if you must because it's time to get ordering. No need to imagine the potential: here are the first releases from the new winemaking team at Matthews and they deliver!