Background: Matthews was founded by Matt Loso in 1993 and it has long been regarded as one of the state’s most respected wineries.    

He sold the winery to Cliff and Diane Otis in 2008 and they continued to build on that legacy, working with many of the state’s most iconic vineyards. In the spring of 2021, the entire winemaking team from Quilceda Creek moved to Matthews to take over production there. While at Quilceda, Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson, and Jesse Schmidt were responsible for crafting what became some of the most highly acclaimed wines in Washington’s history. They say they made the move, in part, to be able to work with some of the most diverse and historic vineyard sites in the state, and to be a part of this visionary winery. This is one of the first wines released under the new winemaking team.

Wine details: 65% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Malbec, aged 19 months in 40% new French oak. The vineyard sources are: Connor Lee (Columbia Valley AVA), Wallula Gap (Horse Heaven Hills AVA), Red Mountain and Quintessence (Red Mountain AVA), Solaksen, Stillwater Creek, Stoneridge and Scarline (Royal Slope AVA), and Bacchus and Dionysus (White Bluffs AVA). 1,461 cases made.

Flavor profile: They say that this blend “truly represents the broad flavor and aromatic expressions of a Merlot-dominant blend from the diverse terroirs of Washington State.” The new winemaking team reduced yields in the vineyard by about 30%, resulting in smaller, more concentrated grapes and allowing each site to develop the ripeness and flavor profile they were looking for. It is an elegant wine with great texture and balance and expressive dark fruit flavors.

Recommendation: Enjoy any time over the next three to five years. You could pair it with roast beef or lamb, pork tenderloin, or mushroom-based dishes.

Background: Forgeron was the 23rd winery in Walla Walla, founded in 2001 in a former turn-of-the-century blacksmith shop (Forgeron is French for blacksmith). Like the blacksmiths who, as skilled artisans, worked with their hands in an age-old tradition, Forgeron’s goal has always been to produce small-lot, artisanal wines that reflect each vineyard, varietal, and appellation. While the winery has evolved over the years, they have always remained true to their original ideals. Founding winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla retired in 2018 and while her former assistant winemaker, Cody Janett, produced this wine, Enrique Ibarra now makes the wines at Forgeron.

Wine details:100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in French oak, 20% new and 80% neutral. The fruit was sourced 65% from Minnick Hills and 35% from Seven Hills vineyards, both in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. They made 407 cases.

Flavor profile: Cabernet flourishes in the Walla Walla Valley, especially from these two esteemed vineyards. Fruit from the two sources complement each other in the final blend which is smooth, rich, and balanced, with aromas and flavors of dark cherry and chocolate and lovely texture.

Recommendation: Enjoy this wine anytime, now through about 2029. They say their favorite pairing for this wine is a nice juicy prime rib.