This 2014 Merlot from Red Hen Vineyard is a great reminder of why Matthiasson is so highly regarded for their restrained, site-driven approach in Napa.
The wine poured a deep ruby with just a hint of bricking at the rim. On the nose, it is immediately savory. It shows notes of dried herbs, bay leaf, and graphite, layered over a core of red plum and tart cherry. There is a faint cedar note, but it is remarkably well-integrated and secondary to the fruit and earth.
The palate is where this bottle really shines. It is medium-bodied with an athletic structure. The acidity is bright and keeps the wine vertical rather than broad. The tannins have softened beautifully with a decade in the bottle, offering a silken texture that carries the fruit through a long, savory finish. At 13.9% ABV, it feels balanced and nimble, leaning more toward a Right Bank sensibility than the typical plush, high-alcohol Napa style.
We paired this with a herb-crusted rack of lamb and a port-based demi-glace. The savory, herbal profile of the Red Hen was a perfect foil for the richness of the lamb, and the wine’s acidity cut right through the reduction.
It is drinking exceptionally well right now. If you have any of these in the cellar, it is a fantastic time to pull the cork, though it certainly has the structure to go another few years. Matthiasson remains a benchmark for those who value balance and precision in California winemaking.
by YungBechamel