Each vintage, winemaker Matthew Loso produces a limited - production, ageworthy blend named the Matthews Red Wine. In the Bordelaise tradition, he also makes a Claret, a wine assembled from declassified lots that do not meet the rigorous quality standards of the Red Wine and styled for more immediate consumption. For the 2004 vintage, none of the available lots met these high standards, so a difficult decision was made, and all 40 barrels of the 2004 Columbia Valley Red Wine were declassified to become the backbone blend of this spectacular wine. Very dark in color with intense fruit extraction and a velvety long finish. Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 1% Syrah

Community Tasting Notes (average 87.7 pts. and median of 88 pts. in 17 notes)

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 02/08

Rating for United States-Washington: 91 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>

This is one of my all time favorites. I love this wine.