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Mattaiason Cabernet Sauvignon Phoenix Vineyards Napa Valley 2020
Estate WIne, Certified Organic
Although 2020 was a year affected by wildfires, the vineyards used for this wine are located south of the outbreak areas, and the winds were blowing from a northeasterly direction at the time, so the grapes were not affected.
In the 22 years since our founding, we have been making wine in various locations, but in 2017, we were finally able to purchase the building and vineyards that we could call our own winery. The environment is finally in place for us to call our wines "estate".
This wine is made from 100% grapes from the Phoenix Vineyard, and the grapes are certified organic.
The VInyard, By Hand
The vineyards were planted in 1982 by the previous owner on the steep, east-facing slopes at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. Old Heritage selections of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot are planted. After purchasing the vineyard, the vineyard was converted to organic farming and new vineyards were planted.
Because the trees are planted very close together and the slope is steep, most of the work is done by hand, including spreading compost on the fields with wheelbarrows and shovels.
The vineyard is made up of marine shale, a unique soil for Napa that produces exotic red fruits and a light yet full-bodied palette that leads to a long, robust finish.
Now or In the Cellar
The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (approximately 20% new and old), ex-demi-muids and large Feudre barrels (to preserve the aromas, like in Barolo). It can be enjoyed young but can also withstand long aging.
The Winemaker - Winemaker of the Year
Owner and winemaker Steve MacIason is one of Napa Valley's leading vineyard consultants, with clients including Eiseley, Chappelle, and Spotswoode, and is known for his balanced grape growing.
Mathiasson is a small family-run winery. Steve's white wines are modeled after those from the Friuli region of Italy, and his red wines are mainly Bordeaux-style. He comes from the fields and is a hands-on enthusiast, so he does as much field work as possible himself. Steve likes to harvest three to four weeks earlier than usual, which is an important factor in determining the taste of wine, and has surprised the entire California wine industry. In 2014, he was selected as "Winemaker of the Year" by the San Francisco Chronicle, a leading American newspaper, and is a talented young winemaker who is expected to have a bright future.
For Steve Mathiasson, making wine is merely an extension of working in the fields. The grapes used at Mathiasson come from fields in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, all of which Steve personally manages throughout the growing season. Steve is a specialist in bringing the inherent characteristics and aromas of grape varieties directly into the wine. He is adept at not only the ubiquitous Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also varieties that are not often seen in Napa Valley, such as Ribolla Gialla and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso. Whatever the variety, his job is simply to bring the characteristics of the soil and variety in which the grapes are grown into the wine.
Well Balanced, VIbrant & Made for Food
The characteristics of Matheson's wines are their refreshing taste, which is intended to be paired with food, and their lower alcohol content than regular California wines. By using cultivation methods suited to each vineyard, the grapes are cultivated with a sense of concentration, and by suppressing the winemaker's desire for self-expression as much as possible and respecting the individuality of the grapes, it is possible to create well-balanced wines wrapped in aromatic fragrances.
A former member of In Pursuit of Balance (IPOB), a once-popular organization in California dedicated to the pursuit of well-balanced Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery is renowned for producing elegant, vibrant wines reminiscent of Europe.
Country of Origin: USA
Region: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Winery: Mathiason Family Vineyards / Matthiasson Family Vineyards
Year of production: 2020
Color: Red
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Cork: Natural cork
Capacity: 750 ml
Alcohol content: 12%