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95 Points
This exceptional wine has garnered a stellar 95/100 from James Suckling, praising its balance of power and elegance, complex flavors, and age-worthy structure.
Sourced from the rare marine shale soils of the Phoenix Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a unique minerality and high-toned red fruit flavors, reminiscent of classic Napa Cabernets from the 1980s.
Crafted from a certified organic vineyard and produced in small quantities (361 cases), this wine offers a rare glimpse into a distinctive Napa style with a focus on purity and freshness.
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Description
The Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon Phoenix Vineyard 2020 is a striking example of Napa Valley’s potential for producing elegant, high-acid Cabernets. Grown in the Phoenix Vineyard, which sits on rare ancient marine shale soils, this wine presents a unique profile with its perfumed aromas and exotic red fruit notes. The 2020 vintage is particularly notable due to its early harvest, necessitated by the devastating fires that swept through the region. The result is a Cabernet of remarkable freshness, purity, and elegance.
The wine undergoes a meticulous aging process, with 20 months in a combination of new French oak, older barrels, and large foudres to preserve its delicate aromatics. Despite its modest 12% alcohol, it offers a deep, complex flavor profile, featuring a lightness in the mid-palate complemented by a long, structured finish. This wine is not only a rare gem due to its limited production but also represents a revival of the classic Napa Cabernet style, offering both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:Herbal, Mineral, Red Fruits
Palate:Blackcurrant, Cedar, Graphite
Food Pairings:
Game
Poultry
Red Meat
Description
The Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon Phoenix Vineyard 2020 is a striking example of Napa Valley’s potential for producing elegant, high-acid Cabernets. Grown in the Phoenix Vineyard, which sits on rare ancient marine shale soils, this wine presents a unique profile with its perfumed aromas and exotic red fruit notes. The 2020 vintage is particularly notable due to its early harvest, necessitated by the devastating fires that swept through the region. The result is a Cabernet of remarkable freshness, purity, and elegance.
The wine undergoes a meticulous aging process, with 20 months in a combination of new French oak, older barrels, and large foudres to preserve its delicate aromatics. Despite its modest 12% alcohol, it offers a deep, complex flavor profile, featuring a lightness in the mid-palate complemented by a long, structured finish. This wine is not only a rare gem due to its limited production but also represents a revival of the classic Napa Cabernet style, offering both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:
Herbal, Mineral, Red Fruits
Palate:
Blackcurrant, Cedar, Graphite
Food Pairings:
Game
Poultry
Red Meat
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Herbal, Mineral, Red Fruits
Blackcurrant, Cedar, Graphite
Game
Poultry
Red Meat