Age-worthy Elegance: Why You Need the 2021 Matthiasson Dead Fred Cabernet Sauvignon in Your Cellar

Winemaker Steve Matthiasson: A Legend in the Making  

Steve Matthiasson is a celebrated winemaker in Napa Valley, renowned for his holistic and thoughtful approach to viticulture and winemaking. His journey began in the world of agricultural philosophy and sustainable farming practices, which he honed at the famed UC Davis agriculture program.

Unlike a lot of winemakers, Steve started out as a farmer rather than a winemaker. As you might have guessed, his transition into the wine industry was driven by his expertise in farming, his deep desire to create wines that reflect the land’s potential, and his commitment to sustainability. All of the vineyards that Steve and his wife Jill work with practice organic farming methods.

Matthiasson’s entry into winemaking was marked by the production of his first wines in the early 2000s, which quickly garnered attention for their balance and reverence for the varietal characteristics. His style is distinctively minimalist, aiming to intervene as little as possible in the natural process so that each wine truly represents its vineyard origins. This approach results in wines that are often lower in alcohol, with bright acidity and true varietal expression, diverging from some of the more powerfully styled wines typically found in Napa.

Steve Matthiasson Likes Off-the-Beaten Path Varieties  

Steve is particularly fond of working with a range of grape varieties, both well-known and obscure, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot, as well as lesser-known varieties like Ribolla Gialla, Refosco, and Falanghina. This eclectic selection allows him to explore different facets of viticulture and winemaking, continually pushing the boundaries of what Napa Valley wines can represent under the banner of thoughtful and sustainable farming practices.

Dead Fred Vineyard  

The Dead Fred Vineyard, located in the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley, has become synonymous with distinctive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Originally planted in 2001 by Lisa Cort and David Goldman, the vineyard has been under the stewardship of Matthiasson since 2012. Embracing organic farming methods, Matthiasson has transformed the vineyard, utilizing the unique qualities of the soil to nurture vines that yield grapes reflecting the true essence of the terroir. This dedication to quality and authenticity is showcased in the 2021 Matthiasson Dead Fred Cabernet Sauvignon. While the vineyard contributes to the broader Napa Valley Cabernet blend, a select portion is reserved for their single vineyard offering, aimed at capturing and highlighting the singular character of the Dead Fred site.

A fun fact about David Goldman: in his previous life, David was an internet entrepreneur in the 1990s who helped found a company called Medior, which was a multimedia company that would later partner with Apple to create the first rich media online shopping experience.

Where does the Dead Fred Vineyard name come from?

The David and Lisa’s Napa Valley vineyard is named after their beloved cat, Fred. When Fred died, Lisa and David buried Fred in a secret location within the vineyard to honor his memory.