1999 Matthews Elerding Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 3-bottle Lot, Wood Case

Matthews was established in Woodinville, near Seattle, in 1993 by Matthew Loso. In 2008 the Otis family of Woodinville, who had already owned a financial share of the winery, bought out Loso and by 2012 the Otis family, headed by Cliff and Diane Otis, bought out the remaining owners to become sole proprietors. Matthews Cellars was one of the first wineries in Woodinville, which is now home to nearly 100 wineries. Besides making Mathews label wines, the Otis family, which includes several adult sons who help run the business, have created an ultra premium winery and label called Tenor. The Matthews label offers a full portfolio of wines, including a Claret, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and red blends.

Yakima Valley AVA was the first AVA created in Washington State. The valley, a 600,000-acre area in south central Washington, was granted AVA status in 1983. In 1984 Columbia Valley was given AVA status, and Yakima Valley was enclosed within the Columbia Valley AVA. Nevertheless, Yakima Valley remains home to the largest concentration of vineyards and wineries in the state. There are more than 60 wineries and some 16,000 vineyard acres, and nearly 40% of Washington wines are made with Yakima Valley grapes. The most frequently planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaking here dates to 1869, when a winemaker from Alsace planted grape vines. Vineyard planting and wine production plodded along slowly until the early 1980s when numerous modern pioneers started making well-reviewed Yakima Valley wines. Some of the state’s newest, most closely watched appellations, including Red Mountain AVA and Horse Heaven Hills AVA, are contained within Yakima Valley.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.