1996 Columbia Valley Red Wine

Philosophy

Matthews original intent on getting into the wine business was to create a flagship Bordeaux blend. The Red Wine has always been a benchmark in Washington state and beyond. Consistently using all five Bordeaux varietals. Matthews has been producing Cabernet Sauvignon driven wines with all of the power and elegance that made the Paulliac and St. Estephe regions famous, with the added intensity of Columbia Valley fruit.

Winemaking

 

Upon arrival in the cellar all of the vineyard lots and varietals are kept separate during  fermentation. Each lot is then pressed into 100% new French oak for maturing. During the 18 months or more of aging the wine is closely monitored in the lab and evaluated at least every two weeks by our winemaker.

Following these laboratory and sensory evaluations some lots of wine are blended according to the elements the winemaker feels will complement the final wine. By the end of barrel aging the final blend will be in place and ready for bottling.

The 1996 vintage of our Yakima Valley Red Wine is a blend of three different varietals from six different vineyards. The wines are all aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak, fined with one egg white per barrel, and then unified prior to bottling.

 

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

 

Color is a medium garnet with clean, bright edges. The nose exhibits balance, youth and distinct character leading into a massive amount of lush berry, jam and spice. After about five minutes in the glass the nose is still continuing to develop. With the first sip the wine gives a velvety sensation on the palate, leaving a clean, rich mouth feel on the finish. It begins to show its strength as the second sip reveals broad flavors of rich jam and lush French oak vanillin. The finish is long lasting, leaving none of the senses unsatisfied.