The 2019 Matthews Merlot comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and the Columbia Valley. Harvested by hand in the early mornings September through October 20th, it was hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both concrete (91%) and stainless steel (9%) tanks. The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (50% new) for 21 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 272 cases were ultimately selected and bottled. Drinking more like a Bordeaux blend than straight-up Merlot, this has coffee, raspberry, spice, herb, dark cherry and graphite aromas out front. The palate brings a sense of volume and layering but also elegance, extending on the finish. A citrus note emerges over time. It has a nice yum factor. –