---
title: 2018 Cuvée
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuvée/2018-cuvée"
section: Wines
---
![Cuvée](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Cuvee-2018_2021-09-23-181059_xtdj.png)  

 

 

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The 2018 Cuvée was crafted from several vineyards across the Columbia Valley, Walla Walla and Red Mountain AVAs. Farmed using sustainable practices, they were hand-harvested in the early mornings September 21- November 2, 2018. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and then fermented in either concrete or stainless steel tanks. Using only the free-run wine, it was then moved to French oak barrels for 22 months of cellaring with over 40 individual evaluations by our winemaking team. The resulting 37 barrels were bottled, without fining or filtration, October 6, 2020, producing only 2,207 cases.

Tasting Notes

Red and black currants, spiced plum and black cherry. Swirling brings up red fruits and sandalwood. Fresh, but ripe, with bright fruit and good tension. Long and smooth tannins with a finish of plum, blackberry and vanilla bean spice.

 

Food Pairing Recommendations

Pulled pork sandwiches with spicy cabbage slaw

 

 

   ![Cuvée](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Cuvee-2018_2021-09-23-181059_xtdj.png)  

 

 

Varietal Composition

60% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet

 

Vinification

Fermented in a combination of concrete and stainless steel tanks. Aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels.

 

Alcohol

14.4%

 

Cases Produced

2,156

 

Drinkability

Now-2027

 

Trade Materials

- [ Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2018-Matthews-Cuvee-Reviewer-Tech-Sheet.pdf)
- [ Bottle Shot  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Cuvee-2018.jpg)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “Editor's Choice. This is a new offering from this long-time winery, a blend of 60% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc. The aromas take some time to get going, with notes of cocoa powder, barrel spice, dark chocolate, cherry and whiffs of green pepper. Ripe black currant and raspberry flavors follow, bringing layering and seamlessness. It sticks around for a long time on the raspberry- and cocoa-filled finish. It is absolutely delicious.”
    
    93 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
- 
- “Sourced from the Solaksen, Stillwater Creek and Scarline vineyards, the 2018 Cuvée blends 60% Merlot with smaller portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The palate shows medium-bodied red fruit flavors that mingle with minerals and smoky undertones. Enjoy over the next 8-10 years”
    
    91 points, Owen Bargreen, 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)    ![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 Cuvée Vintages 

- [2022](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuv%C3%A9e/2022-cuv%C3%A9e)
- [2021](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuv%C3%A9e/2021-columbia-valley-cuv%C3%A9e)
- [2020](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuv%C3%A9e/2020-cuv%C3%A9e)
- [2019](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuv%C3%A9e/2019-cuv%C3%A9e)
- 2018
- [2017](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuv%C3%A9e/2017-cuv%C3%A9e)
- [2016](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cuv%C3%A9e/2016-cuv%C3%A9e)
 
 

  ## Related Wines

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       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/claret/2018-2)
- [    ![Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Merlot-2016.png)  ### Merlot
    
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- [    ![Reserve Cuvée](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Cuvee-2018_2021-09-23-200110_hpxi.png)  ### Reserve Cuvée
    
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