---
title: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2016"
section: Wines
---
![Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/Matthews-Cab-Sauv-2016.png)  

 

 

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The 2016 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and the Columbia Valley. Harvested by hand in the early mornings during September through October 20th, it was hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both concrete (72%) and stainless steel (28%) tanks. The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (60% new) for 21 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 257 cases were ultimately selected and bottled.

Tasting Notes

Plum jam, black currants, cassis and vanilla. With air, swirling brings dark baking spices mixed with strawberry puree and dried Applewood. The palate is fleshy with dark brooding fruits and a hint of crème brûlée. Cabernet that is vibrant with firm structure, while maintaining a fresh and composed profile.

 

Food Pairing Recommendations

Grass-fed burgers with grilled corn

 

 

   ![Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/Matthews-Cab-Sauv-2016.png)  

 

 

Varietal Composition

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

 

Vinification

Fermented in 72% concrete and 28% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 21 months in 60% new French oak barrels.

 

Alcohol

14.4%

 

Cases Produced

257

 

Drinkability

Now-2029

 

Trade Materials

 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “Fresh crushed flowers, sappy nuances, and baked berry-biscuit aromas, leading to a palate that has a lithe and succulent texture with plenty of sustained berry flavor. Drink in the next five years.”
    
    91 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
- 
- “Cocoa nib, black cherry, raspberry and black licorice aromas lead to ripe, rich, action-packed flavors that bring a sense of volume. It's a sure-fire, crowd-pleasing, riper-style Cabernet.”
    
    90 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
- “Good dark red. Cherry, raspberry and licorice aromas are lifted by a floral quality. On the palate, pliant red fruit, red licorice and spice flavors are nicely framed by integrated acidity. A step up in density from the Merlot and a bit leafy as well, due partly to the sweetening influence of some new oak. Finishes with ripe, building tannins and dusty brown spices. Pretty serious for a $30 Cabernet but this wine should also be approachable early.”
    
    90 points, Steven Tanzer, Vinous
- 

 

  

 ## Vineyards

 ![Red Mountain](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/vineyardMaps/Map-Red-Mountain-3_2_2022-09-20-175138_udmh.svg)### Red Mountain

Designated: 2001  
  
Vineyards: 2,382 acres (963 hectares)  
  
Top Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc  
  
Average Annual Precipitation: 5 inches  
  
Soil: Silt, sand, volcanic basalt  
  
Average vine age: 22yrs

 [Learn More](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/vineyards/red-mountain)  

 Past Vintages

##  Explore the Cabernet Sauvignon Vintages 

- [2022](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2022-cabernet-sauvignon)
- [2021](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2021-columbia-valley-cabernet-sauvignon)
- [2020](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2020-cabernet-sauvignon)
- [2019](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2019-cabernet-sauvignon)
- [2018](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2018)
- [2017](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2017-cabernet-sauvignon)
- 2016
- [2015](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2015-cabernet-sauvignon)
- [2014](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2014-cabernet-sauvignon)
- [2013](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2013-cabernet-sauvignon)
 
 

  ## Related Wines

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