Wow, this is a big wine in so many ways – black fruit, earthy minerality, alcohol at 15% plus, mouthfeel, oak treatment of 100% new for 21 months, and SRP at $145 – And it’s built to last.
The Matthews 2022 Reserve Claret is a Columbia Valley, Washington blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, from three different AVAs, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, and the Slope AVA.
This is a very good wine that would benefit and develop with cellar time. I believe the chewy tannins will soften and integrate within the next one to two years. I would say hold at least three years, knowing it will continue to develop for an additional seven to 10 years.
Having said that, we enjoyed this Claret with a hearty meal. Think steak, ribs, and rich stews. We chose pork and beef meatballs simmered for hours in a marinara sauce. I was tempted to add a bit of the claret to the sauce, but at the stated price, I demurred and added a glug of less expensive red. Read Alex Stewart’s interview here, and learn why this red blend is their flagship.