Matthews Winery Columbia Valley Cuvee is made from 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec.
The 2021 Columbia Valley Cuvée sparkles with purple and deep garnet in the glass. Meadow flowers, fresh red berry, black plum, and cocoa powder aromas exhilarate leading to flavors of morello cherry liqueur, cardamom, mountain blackberry, and licorice snaps. This merlot-dominant blend is plush and weighty on the palate with powdery tannins. Dark stone fruits and dusty minerality coat the palate for a long, seamless finish.
Reviews:
A handsome blend, structured and polished, with expressive black cherry flavors accented by tarragon, mocha espresso and toasty spices that sail toward refined tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2031.
-Wine Spectator 93 Points
This Merlot-based blend is a part of the Matthews tradition. Wildly fruity aromatics with whole berries, destemmed aromas driven by red berries, mountain blueberries, and a touch of green peppercorn and mocha dust. A streak of graphite underlines red berries, early season blackberries and a savoury herbal character that mingles complexity with fresh ripe fruits.
-Decanter 93 Points
Influenced by the northeastern side and the features of the terroir, Vigna del Lago is an elegant, light and sapid Brunello. It exhibits a distinctive, slightly pale, ruby-red colour and notes of ginger, cherry, orange peel, bitter orange and dried flowers. Medium-structured, silky and delicate tannins with a slightly salty finish.
Vigna del Lago is located on the northeastern slope of Montalcino, which is influenced by a continental climate, with harsh winters and very hot summers. The surrounding nature is reminiscent of the Crete Senesi, with hills and cypresses and a lovely lake next to the vineyards. The soils are clayey.
Ageing takes place in a dedicated cellar, 24 months in 40-hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by 6 months in concrete and 9 to 12 months of bottle maturation.
Review:
This 2018 Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago is looking really beautiful in this 2018 vintage. The nose is bright with delicate, fragrant rose and ripe strawberry notes. The palate has a very tangy, juicy acidity and plenty of savory, fine-textured tannins. There is a sublime texture with that wonderful quality of weightless harmony. This is a lovely wine that just feels very gentle and flows across the palate like a little wave.
-Wine Independent 97 Points