---
title: 2021 Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon/2021-royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon"
section: Wines
---
![Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-CabSauv-RoyalSlope-2021.jpg)  [ $85/Bottle | Buy Now ](https://shop.avalle.us/product/2021-matthews-royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon) 

 

 

   The 2021 Matthews Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon is a meticulously crafted wine from several vineyard parcels within the Royal Slope AVA of the Columbia Valley. Key sites include Solaksen, Stillwater Creek, and Scarline Vineyards, allowing this Cabernet Sauvignon to showcase the diverse flavors and aromatic expressions of the region. The winemaking team collaborated with vineyard managers to limit yields, resulting in small, concentrated berries. Cool fall nights preserved freshness while enhancing flavor development.

Hand-harvesting occurred in the early mornings of October. At the winery, the fruit underwent cluster sorting, de-stemming, and berry-sorting. For maximum flavor extraction, the wine was fermented and kept in tank for 30+ days to extend the maceration time with the aim of encouraging deeper textural layering. After this extended maceration, the wine was cellared in various formats of new 100% new French oak. After 21 months of cellaring, 16 carefully blended barrels produced only 358 cases of this pure, vibrant, and intense Cabernet Sauvignon, which was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Seven different Cabernet Sauvignon clones were used in the final blend: clone 2, 6, 337, 8, 4, 191, and 31.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep magenta in the glass with aromatics of sweet berries, violets, tilled soil, and graham cracker. The full-bodied mouthfeel displays silky tannins and a round texture and flavors of cherry candy, hibiscus, and candied ginger. Finishing with balanced acidity, cola, dates, and fresh cut flowers.

 

 

   ![Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-CabSauv-RoyalSlope-2021.jpg)  [ $85/Bottle | Buy Now ](https://shop.avalle.us/product/2021-matthews-royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon) 

 

 

Varietal Composition

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Vinification

Each parcel was hand-sorted from the vineyard, with gentle fermentation and extended maceration culminating over 30+ days. Cellared in 100% new French oak for 21 months

 

Alcohol

15.0%

 

Cases Produced

358

 

Drinkability

Now - 2040

 

Trade Materials

- [ Bottle Shot  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-CabSauv-RoyalSlope-2021.jpg)
- [ Front Label  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/21RSCS-Front-Label.jpg)
- [ Back Label  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/21RSCS-Back-Label.jpg)
- [ Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/M21RSCS-TS.pdf)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “Sensational and heady, the 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant showing in this warm vintage. Violets and tar notes mingle well with shades of dark currants and mocha on the nose. The palate is seamless and inviting with serious concentration and good underlying verve. This is a joy to consume right now.”
    
    \- 95 points Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
- 

 

  

 ## Vineyards

 ![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 Royal Slope Cabernet Sauvignon Vintages 

- [2022](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon/2022-royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon)
- 2021
- [2019](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon/2019-royal-slope-cabernet-sauvignon)
 
 

  

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