---
title: 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2020-cabernet-sauvignon"
section: Wines
---
![Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/Shore-Matthews-CabSauv-2020_2022-06-21-225532_jbvi.png)  

 

 

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The 2020 Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon comes from several small vineyard parcels within Columbia Valley, namely key sites on Horse Heaven Hills, Royal Slope and the White Bluffs. Harvested in the early fall mornings of 2020, it was sorted and fermented in the winery using stainless steel. The wine was cellared in French oak barrels for an average of 18 months. Carefully blended by the winemaking team, only 255 barrels were selected, and finally bottled in June of 2022.

Tasting Notes

A prominent perfume of mocha and dark cherry cordial, with underlying notes of raked earth, roasted herbs, and fractured rock that balance the fruit. On the palate, a kiss of acid and supple tannin lend structure to the black plum and a faint beef dripping. Well-integrated toasted oak and red / blue fruits compliment the lengthy finish.

 

 

   ![Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/Shore-Matthews-CabSauv-2020_2022-06-21-225532_jbvi.png)  

 

 

Varietal Composition

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Malbec

 

Vinification

Fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.

 

Alcohol

14.6%

 

Cases Produced

6,308

 

Drinkability

Now - 2032

 

Trade Materials

- [ Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2020-Matthews-Cab-Sauv-Consumer-TS-Top-100.pdf)
- [ Bottle Shot  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/Shore-Matthews-CabSauv-2020.png)
- [ Front Label  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/CVCS_Front-Label_2022-06-21-225746_tfqa.jpg)
- [ Back Label  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/CVCS_Back-Label_2022-06-21-225756_yuxv.jpg)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “Aromas of blackcurrants, blackberry compote, vanilla and praline. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and excellent density. Lengthy, weighty finish. 75% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 1% malbec. Drink from 2024.”
    
    -92 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
- 
- “The aromas are thoroughly captivating, with notes of scorched earth, cocoa, black currant, graphite and bittersweet chocolate. Plush, polished, seamless fruit flavors follow. There’s a sophistication and intensity to it all that is mesmerizing.”
    
    -94 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
- “#33 in the Top 100 Wines of 2022”
    
    Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide, December 2022
- 

 

  

 ## Vineyards

 ![Horse Heaven Hills](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/vineyardMaps/Map-Horse-Heaven-Hills-3_2_2022-09-20-174718_ndcj.svg)### Horse Heaven Hills

Designated: 2005  
  
Vineyards: 17,082 acres (6,912 hectares)  
  
Top Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc  
  
Average Annual Precipitation: 9 inches  
  
Soil: wind-blown sand, loess, Missoula Flood sediment, basalt bedrock  
  
Average Vine Age: 25yrs

 [Learn More](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/vineyards/horse-heaven-hills)    ![Royal Slope](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/vineyardMaps/Map-Royal-Slope-AVA-3_2_2022-09-20-182941_opfx.svg) ### Royal Slope

Designated: 2020  
  
Vineyards: 1,900 acres (768 hectares)  
  
Top Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc  
  
Average Annual Precipitation: 6-8 inches  
  
Soil: Sandy loam, soil  
  
Average Vine Age: 14yrs

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

  

 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
- [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](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/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)
 
 

  

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