---
title: 2019 Reserve Merlot
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/reserve/reserve-merlot-2/2019-reserve-merlot"
section: Wines
---
![Reserve Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2011_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Merlot-2019.png)  [ $95/Bottle | Buy Now ](https://shop.avalle.us/product/2019-matthews-reserve-merlot) 

 

 

   The 2019 Matthews Reserve Merlot was crafted from several vineyards across four separate AVAs in Washington State: Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Royal Slope and the Walla Walla Valley. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. They were hand-harvested in the early mornings between September 6th – October 3rd, 2019. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and fermented in 61% concrete, 39% stainless steel. Using only the free-run wine, it was moved to custom French oak barrels for 25 months of cellaring with over 40 individual evaluations by our winemaking team. The resulting 26 barrels were bottled, without fining or filtration, producing only 432 cases.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 Matthews Reserve Merlot shows a deep ruby to purple hue with aromas of black cherry and red fruits such as pomegranate, bright red cherries, and raspberry compote. The primary fruit aromas are followed by savory herbs, conditioned leather and cobblestones. On the palate, the red fruit expression continues with red currants and red plum, mingled with bramble fruits, cola, candied walnut, blood orange zest and beef au jus. The wine is medium bodied with subtle acidity. The broad tannins on the front of the palate resolve toward the finish. The texture on the finish is finessed, showing more red and black fruits, and a redolent floral quality.

 

 

   ![Reserve Merlot](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2011_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Merlot-2019.png)  [ $95/Bottle | Buy Now ](https://shop.avalle.us/product/2019-matthews-reserve-merlot) 

 

 

Varietal Composition

97% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Vinification

Fermented in 61% concrete and 39% stainless steel. Aged for 25 months in 100% new French oak.

 

Alcohol

15.1%

 

Cases Produced

432

 

Drinkability

Now - 2036

 

Trade Materials

- [ 2019 Matthews Reserve Merlot - Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2019-Matthews-Reserve-Merlot-Tech-Sheet_2022-10-07-211901_zvbv.pdf)
- [ 2019 Matthews Reserve Merlot - Bottle Shot  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Reserve_Merlot-2019.png)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “Lastly, the 2019 Merlot Reserve is another incredibly impressive release from this team. Cassis, black cherries, graphite, scorched earth, and spicy oak give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, plush, sexy, incredibly seamless Merlot that's balanced, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. You can't go wrong with any of these new releases from this estate.”
    
    \- 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
- 

 

  

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

  

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