The 2003 Red Wine is a blend of lots from three vineyards. The wine is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, and 21% Merlot aged for 22 months in French oak, 75% new. Nearly black in color, it has a brooding bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, menthol, clove, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a full-bodied, broad-shouldered wine with plenty of flavor but a bit lacking in depth. The wine also tastes slightly hot from alcohol. There is moderate tannin present so the wine may fill out with a few additional years of bottle age and there is plenty to like in this wine’s assertive personality. Tel. (425) 487-9810; www.matthewscellars.com

A full-bore Bordeaux blend with all five varieties. Two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon sets the backbone, and the wine unfolds with plenty of power, dark, plummy fruit and full, roasted espresso-like barrel flavors. If there’s a down spot it’s the acidic tang to the finish, which seems a bit jagged.——P.G.(6/1/2005)—— 90

The 1997 Red Wine (crafted from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc) offers toasted, oak-imbued, red fruit aromas. Medium to full-bodied, chewy, and well-crafted, this blackberry, strawberry, and cedar flavored wine would have merited a better score if it were not for its clipped and tannic finish. Projected maturity: now-2004. Tel: 425-483-1652

The medium-to-dark ruby-colored 1996 Red Wine (850 cases were produced of this 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot blend) has a gorgeously pure nose of red fruits, mint leaves, and blackberries. This feminine, medium-bodied rather plush wine also has a high level of acidity, but has more red cherry/raspberry fruit. Its finish is clipped (by acid?), but it is nonetheless a delicious wine for near term drinking. Anticipated maturity: now-2001. Fax: (425) 483-1652.

The ruby-colored 1995 Red Wine (a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc) has a candied blackberry-scented nose and a tangy, fresh, and medium-bodied personality. It reveals plenty of well-ripened fruit, but suffers from a surprisingly high level of unintegrated acidity. It is presently delicious and thirst quenching, but I question its ability to cope with its acid with increased bottle age. Drink up. Fax: (425) 483-1652.