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Matthews Estate 2011 Claret, Columbia Valley, $40

By on June 12, 2015

Matthews 2011 ClaretUniversity of Washington alumni Diane Otis and her husband, Cliff, have breathed life into one of Woodinville’s oldest labels, and their efforts are being spearheaded by the talented winemaking of Aryn Morell. This blend of Bordeaux varieties — leading with Merlot (68%) — marks Morell’s fifth vintage at Matthews, and the juice spent 19 months in 38% new French oak. Sites such as Dionysus, Pepper Bridge, Red Mountain Vineyard and Stillwater Creek help create aromas of black cherry, dark plum and vanilla with cherry tomato, tomato vine and molasses. The fruit-forward drink is focused on plush black cherry and red currant flavors, nicely framed by balanced tannins and rewarding acidity that combine for a huge finish. These wines are available throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Eastern seaboard and Ontario.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 1,522 cases

Alcohol: 14.4%

Winery website

About Great Northwest Wine

Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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