The 2012 Matthews Claret is an impressive effort that showcases the fantastic vintage. The wine was aged 18 months in 40% new French and 60% once used French oak before bottling in May 2014. It is a complex blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 3% Malbec, & 3% Petit Verdot. You can see that this has had some time in the bottle to soften. This wine opens with aromas of dill, blackberry pie, and blueberry compote. There are deep flavors of blackberry pie, blueberry, black plum, and graphite. Lovely structure, as this has racy acidity. Give this thing a one hour decant before opening right now. (Best 2016-2026) - February, 2016 (OB)
Wine Specifications
- Report Date: February, 2016
- Producer: Matthews Winery
- Vintage: 2012
- Drinking Window: 2016-2026
- Estimated Value: $35
- Country: United States
- Region: Washington
- Appellation: Columbia Valley
- Importer: N/A