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

 

 

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The 2016 Matthews Merlot comes from several small vineyard parcels within three AVAs: Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and the Columbia Valley. Harvested by hand in the early mornings September through October 20th, it was then hand-sorted and fermented in the winery using both concrete (91%) and stainless steel (9%). The free-run wine was cellared in French oak (50% new) for 21 months. Evaluated over 40 times by our winemaking team, only 272 cases were ultimately selected and bottled.

Tasting Notes

Ripe black cherry, red currants, sandalwood and graphite. Swirling brings up plums, dried strawberry, vanilla bean and dark spices. The palate is fresh and polished with squeezed red and black fruits. Some light baking spices and silky tannins carry the finish.

 

Food Pairing Recommendations

Roast turkey with garlic and sage

 

 

   ![Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Merlot-2016.png)  

 

 

Varietal Composition

94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc

 

Vinification

Fermented in 91% concrete and 9% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 21 months in 50% new French oak barrels.

 

Alcohol

14.3%

 

Cases Produced

272

 

Drinkability

Now-2029

 

Trade Materials

- [ Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2016-Matthews-Merlot-Consumer-Tech-Sheet.pdf)
- [ Bottle Shot  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Merlot-2016.jpg)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “Drinking more like a Bordeaux blend than straight-up Merlot, this has coffee, raspberry, spice, herb, dark cherry and graphite aromas out front. The palate brings a sense of volume and layering but also elegance, extending on the finish. A citrus note emerges over time. It has a nice yum factor.”
    
    91 points, Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
- 

 

  

 ## 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 Merlot Vintages 

- [2022](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/merlot/2022-merlot)
- 2016
- [2015](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/merlot/2015-merlot)
- [2014](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/merlot/2014-merlot)
- [2013](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/merlot/2013-merlot)
 
 

  ## Related Wines

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       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2018-reserve-merlot)
 
 

 

  

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