2022 was a near ideal vintage for Sauvignon Blanc. Along with Yakima Valley, this is the first vintage Matthews sourced several Sauvignon Blanc clones from Horse Heaven Hills and represents the latest harvest date on record for our Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc (October 7th).

The new winemaking team worked with with the vineyard managers to update our viticultural practices, reducing yields (on average) by 30% for each site.

The grapes were whole cluster pressed under a blanket of protective CO2 and the juice was delivered into tank. It was then cold settled for 24 hours before being fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks. Fermentation techniques were selected individually for each of the three vineyard parcels to help accentuate the fruit and typicity from each location. Primary fermentation was slow and cool, allowing the wine to hold onto its intense aromatic profile.

Aged in stainless steel and small parts neutral oak for 5 months. Secondary fermentation was arrested to preserve freshness and acidity and the wine was blended shortly before bottling. The wine was bottled on March 28th, 2023. Only 4510 cases were made.

The 2022 Matthews Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc is yellow jasmine in color with flecks of green. Very intense and compelling aromatics of starfruit, lemony sorrel leaf, juicy green pear and mandarin orange open to honeysuckle and linden flower. Followed by flavors of lemon curd, oyster shell, candied orange peel and flint, this medium bodied, balanced wine has refreshing acidity. It finishes long with briney and stoney flavors that are taught and textural.