---
title: 2018 Reserve Merlot
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2018-reserve-merlot"
section: Wines
---
![Reserve Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Merlot-2018.png)  

 

 

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The 2018 Matthews Reserve Merlot was crafted from small vineyard parcels within the Royal Slope, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and Columbia Valley AVAs. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot to create maximum concentration in each cluster. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early mornings between September 12th and October 19th, 2018.

Tasting Notes

Deep in color with aromatics of ripe raspberry, plum skin, currants, dried strawberry, herbs, caramelized sugar, and fresh roasted coffee. Great volume on the palate, with notes of fresh red fruits and incredibly tactile tannins. A wine with versatility and texture that only Washington State could produce.

 

Food Pairing Recommendations

Braised lamb with roasted potatoes

 

 

   ![Reserve Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Merlot-2018.png)  

 

 

Varietal Composition

90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Vinification

Fermented in 54% concrete and 46% stainless steel. Aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak.

 

Alcohol

14.4%

 

Cases Produced

341

 

Drinkability

Now-2034

 

Trade Materials

- [ Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2018-Matthews-Reserve-Merlot-Tech-Sheet.pdf)
- [ Bottle Shot  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2018_Merlot_Reserve.jpg)
- [ Pairing Recipe  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2018-Matthews-Reserve-Merlot-Pairing-Recipe.pdf)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “The 2018 Merlot Reserve was sourced from the four separate AVAs and blends 90% Merlot with small portions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Voluptuous and soft in the mouth, it shows off black tea, exotic spices and blackberry compote flavors alongside suggestions of tar. Dense and full-bodied with a silky texture, this delicious offering will cellar well for another 15 years.”
    
    92 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 Merlot Vintages 

- [2023](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2023-matthews-reserve-merlot)
- [2022](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2022-reserve-merlot)
- [2021](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2021-reserve-merlot)
- [2020](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2020-reserve-merlot)
- [2019](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2019-reserve-merlot)
- 2018
- [2017](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2017-reserve-merlot)
- [2016](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2016-reserve-merlot)
 
 

  ## Related Wines

  Previous    Next   

 

- [    ![Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Merlot-2016.png)  ### Merlot
    
       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/merlot/2016-merlot)
- [    ![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
    
       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve/2018-reserve-cuv%C3%A9e)
- [    ![Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2026_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_CabSauv-2018.png)  ### Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
    
       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2018)
 
 

 

  

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