Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes: The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley lifts from the glass. It’s incredibly fresh, with a sweet herbal tinge that gives way to candied lime and hints of fermented ginger. Luxuriously round and soothing, with a core of mineral-tinged green melon guided by zesty acidity, the 2022 finishes steely clean. A minty sheen lingers on and on. This crisp beauty was refined in all stainless steel.

Producer: Founded in 1993, Matthews Winery has become a pillar of Washington State’s wine industry, known for its Bordeaux-inspired wines that celebrate the unique terroir of the Columbia Valley. In 2008, the Otis family took ownership, reinvigorating the winery with a focus on sustainable practices and precision winemaking. A key figure in Matthews’ success is Alex Stewart, who joined as head winemaker after a distinguished 17-year tenure at Quilceda Creek, one of Washington’s most celebrated wineries. Stewart’s experience crafting world-class wines at Quilceda Creek, combined with his studies in Burgundy, Tuscany, and Switzerland, brings a global perspective to Matthews’ portfolio, making it a destination for wine enthusiasts seeking excellence and innovation.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2022 Matthews Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and terroir-driven winemaking. Sourced from premium vineyards in the Columbia Valley, the grapes were harvested early in the morning to preserve freshness. After whole-cluster pressing under a CO₂ blanket, the juice underwent cold settling and a meticulous fermentation process in stainless steel tanks, with select portions aged in neutral oak for added complexity. Stewart’s minimalist approach, honed during his years at Quilceda Creek, shines through in this wine, which balances vibrant acidity with layered aromatics, capturing the essence of Washington’s Columbia Valley.