2007 Columbia Valley Claret

Philosophy

The Claret for Matthews has always filled the traditional role of a second selection wine in a winery with a flagship blend. Beginning in 2007 we are taking a different approach to how we are making this wine. With the decision to no longer make the Red Wine, we have taken the traditional vineyard sources that consistently make up the Red Wine blend and moved them into the Claret- producing a much more Cabernet Sauvignon driven wine than in the past. We've done this while adjusting our winemaking program to still produce the softer and more refined tannins that the Claret is known for- improving the aromatics at the same time. The Claret was always a great value in its market, and now we feel that this is one of the best values in wine, period.

Growing Season

A relatively warm to hot year caused a small amount of concern for many of us looking at varietals ripening too quickly and not achieving developed flavor profiles. Luckily the weather cooled in September and October, allowing the necessary hang time to develop optimal flavors. This will go down as one of the best vintages in recent memory, judging from the wines.

Winemaking

As always, each individual lot is fermented separately, and then moved to our barrel program based on initial quality. The composition of our barrel program in 2007 was approximately 40% new French Oak, and 60% 2-3 year old French Oak. As the winery moves forward, we look to continue the elevated presence of this new vintage of Claret.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Deeply colored, dark garnet to the rim. A super-ripe nose of currants, blackberries, black cherry, plum and licorice. A touch of spice in the background, with a hint of vanilla bean. This wine is thick and rich, with super-fine mouth-coating tannins and the texture of fine dark chocolate on the finish. A Claret unlike any we have produced to date.