--- title: 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00 canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2018" section: Wines --- ![Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_CabSauv-2018.png) Sold Out The 2018 Matthews Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from several vineyards across three separate AVAs in Washington State: Red Mountain (79%), Columbia Valley (17%), and the Walla Walla Valley (4%). Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. They were then hand-harvested in the early mornings of September 5th – November 3rd, 2018. Tasting Notes Black currants, sultry raspberry, dried strawberry, and plum skin with a hint of vanilla bean, black tea and mocha. Swirling brings a touch of sweet red fruits, dried herbs and wood spice. The palate is beautifully framed, with freshness, terrific density, persistent black fruits and silky tannins. Ageable, but the texture of the vintage allows for vibrant consumption now. Food Pairing Recommendations Braised beef with bacon, carrots, and mushrooms ![Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_CabSauv-2018.png) Varietal Composition 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot Vinification Fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks. Aged for 22 months in 95% new French oak barrels. Alcohol 14.5% Cases Produced 490 Drinkability Now-2030 Trade Materials - [ Tech Sheet ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2018-Matthews-Reserve-Cab-Sauv-Consumer-Tech-Sheet.pdf) - [ Bottle Shot ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_CabSauv-2018.jpg) ## Awards & Accolades - “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve sports a deep ruby hue as well as spicy, Bordeaux-like notes of red and black currants, new leather, tobacco, and spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied and nicely textured, with ripe tannins, it's going to benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar and cruise for at least 10-15 years. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot aged 22 months in mostly new French oak.” 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com - - “The gorgeous 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a barrel-selection wine made with 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, from the Stillwater Creek, Dionysus, Solaksen, Scarline and Bacchus vineyards. Highly refined in the mouth, it shows graphite tones combined with rich crème de cassis, blackberry pie and creosote flavors. It displays beautiful structure and length. Deep and concentrated, this is a scintillating effort that has a long journey ahead of it.” 93 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 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Vintages - [2022](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2022-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon) - [2021](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2021-matthews-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon) - [2020](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon) - [2019](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2019-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon) - 2018 - [2017](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2017-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon) - [2016](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2016-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon) ## Related Wines Previous Next - [ ![Reserve Cabernet Franc](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_CabFranc-2018_2021-09-23-193152_fxpz.png) ### Reserve Cabernet Franc ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-franc/2018-reserve-cabernet-franc) - [ ![Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-CabSauv-2018.png) ### Cabernet Sauvignon ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/cabernet-sauvignon/2018) - [ ![Reserve Claret](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Claret-Columbia-2018_2021-09-21-010629_slnr.png) ### Reserve Claret ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-claret/2018-reserve-claret) [ Back ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines)--- Open scroll-to-section menu - [ Overview ](#tech-specs) - [ Accolades ](#accolades) - [ Vineyards ](#vineyards) - [ Related Wines ](#related-wines) ## Scroll To - [ Overview ](#tech-specs) - [ Accolades ](#accolades) - [ Vineyards ](#vineyards) - [ Related Wines ](#related-wines) Close dialog