2008 Columbia Valley Claret

View Winemaker's Tasting Notes Video

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

Hot summer weather gave way to cool conditions in mid-September. When temperatures remained cool through October under clear skies, 2008 became a vintage when hang time counted for flavor, not alcohol. In total the vintage was nearly flawless for producing deep concentrated wines with bright aromatics and understated tannins.

Winemaking

All of the lots were fermeted separately and processed 100% whole berry. Malo-lactic fermentation was performed in barrel and blending was done in July of 2009. A secondary blend was done in February of 2010 prior to the wine being sterile filtered and bottled in November 2010.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Ripe plums and black currants, set against a background of wild berries and intermingled with dark spices and dark chocolate. A rich, brooding wine. Exposure to a bit of air opens up the fruit and adds a pleasing youthful fleshiness, with a lacing of dried herbs. The palate is dense, round and polished. Classy, with a beautiful finish, this wine offers an abundance of power and elegance.