2007 Matthews Columbia Valley Claret

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.

Columbia Valley AVA is larger than some states. At 18,000 square miles, or 11 million acres, the appellation covers almost half of Washington State and a small part of Oregon on the south side of the Columbia River. Established in 1984, Columbia Valley contains numerous sub appellations within its boundaries, including Yakima Valley AVA and Walla Walla AVA, both large and important wine districts. Columbia Valley AVA, generally called the Columbia Basin by Pacific Northwesterners, is in the Columbia River Plateau, and the AVA also includes a section of northeastern Oregon. There are dozens of microclimates within this appellation of about 7,000 vineyard acres. Many kinds of grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley, though the principal grapes planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Eastern Washington experiences very hot summers and cold winters, and the northern latitude means that Washington vineyards receive several more hours of sun in the summer than California vineyards. Grapes in Washington therefore have time to develop significant tannins and overall ripeness.

Red Blend