---
title: 2020 Royal Slope Claret
date: 2026-06-23T03:53:00-07:00
canonical_url: "https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-claret/2020-royal-slope-claret"
section: Wines
---
![Royal Slope Claret](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Claret-RoyalSlope-2020.png)  [ $65/Bottle | Buy Now ](https://shop.avalle.us/product/2020-matthews-royal-slope-claret) 

 

 

   The 2020 Matthews Royal Slope Claret comes from Solaksen vineyard within the Royal Slope AVA. After hand-harvesting in the early fall mornings, the fruit was hand-sorted and fermented using both stainless-steel tanks and French oak barrels. The free-run juice was aged in French oak (40% new) for 20 months. Bottling took place in June of 2022, resulting in only 568 cases.

Tasting Notes

This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend possesses a dark ruby color and aromas of crushed blueberry, vanilla bean, boxwood and clay. The palate shows dark fruit flavors of black currant, balanced by a blood orange brightness. The mouthfeel is full bodied with good structure. On the finish, river rock, coffee grounds and cassis linger.

 

 

   ![Royal Slope Claret](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/bottleShots/_640x2133_crop_center-center_82_line/OUTSHINERY-Matthews-Claret-RoyalSlope-2020.png)  [ $65/Bottle | Buy Now ](https://shop.avalle.us/product/2020-matthews-royal-slope-claret) 

 

 

Varietal Composition

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

 

Vinification

Fermented in stainless steel and French oak barrels. Aged 20 months in 40% new French oak.

 

Labeled Appellation

Royal Slope

 

Alcohol

14.8%

 

Cases Produced

568

 

Drinkability

Now-2035

 

Trade Materials

- [ Tech Sheet  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2020-Matthews-Royal-Slope-Claret-Consumer-Tech-Sheet.pdf)
- [ Front Label  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2020_Claret_RS_Other_COLA.jpg)
- [ Back Label  ](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/matthews/wineTradeAssets/2020_Claret_RS_Brand_COLA.jpg)
 
 

 

 

 

  ## Awards & Accolades

- “The outstanding 2020 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Claret’ Red Wine combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Soft and round on the mouth, this delivers bulls blood and iodine tones that combine with cedar, chocolate and copious dark fruit flavors. Really good now, with refined tannins and good underlying freshness, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2032.”
    
    -93 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 Claret Vintages 

- [2021](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-claret/2021-royal-slope-claret)
- 2020
- [2019](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-claret/2019-royal-slope-claret)
 
 

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       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/royal-slope/royal-slope-claret/2019-royal-slope-claret)
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       ](https://mwe-matthews.transom.dev/wines/columbia-valley/claret/2020-claret)
 
 

 

  

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