• Mocha & chocolate
• Dark plum
• Cherry-tobacco
• Blackberry

"Expressing lovely varietal purity and intensity, the wine shows lifted aromas of cassis, dark plum, tobacco and cedar on the nose, leading to a concentrated palate that is flavoursome and lingering. It is succulent and generously expressed, finishing long and sturdy" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2019

The 2017 Matchbook Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from grapes grown entirely in the Dunnigan Hills vineyards. Enticing dusty cherry-tobacco aromas lead to brambly blackberry and mocha flavors layered with chocolate and dried cranberry. The mouth-filling flavors linger in the finish with soft, but firm tannins.

The estate grown grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Winemakers used a combination of specially selected yeast to enhance color and flavor extraction without harsh tannins. Tanks were pumped over twice a day until nearly dry, then pressed and aged the wine in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for 14 months. The best barrel lots were chosen for this complex blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec to create a boldly flavored Dunnigan Hills Cabernet Sauvignon.

East of Napa, Left of Center: The Giguiere family embodies Dunnigan Hills winemaking. In 1981 they pioneered grape-growing in this region when they planted their very first vineyard. By 1993 they’d succeeded in making the Dunnigan Hills a nationally recognized American appellation. The Matchbook flame is an homage to the Giguiere brothers’ youthful fascination with fire. Today Matchbook Wine Company produces over 15 wines showcasing the varietals that perform best in this warm, dry climate.

Food Pairing: This a Cabernet that pairs well with a slow roasted prime rib, a hearty beef stew or a sizzling New York strip steak.