Matchbook Red Gravel Dunnigan Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (California)

Description

• American, Hungarian & French oak
• Plush blackberry
• Mocha & vanilla
• Rich & smooth

The 2019 Matchbook Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from grapes grown entirely in the Dunnigan Hills vineyards. The wine opens with the beautiful varietal aromas of mocha, leather and toasty oak. Plush flavors of blackberry, vanilla, deep red fruit and olive tapenade are rich and mouth-coating. The dense flavors surround the tannins for a finish that is well-structured and smooth.

The estate grown grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. We used a combination of specially selected yeast to enhance color and flavor extraction without harsh tannins. We pumped the tanks over several times a day until nearly dry, then pressed and aged the wine in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for 12 months. The best barrel lots were chosen for the final blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot. 2019 Matchbook Cabernet is a showcase of the quality fruit grown in the red gravel soils of Dunnigan Hills.

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 our warm, dry climate.

Food Pairing: This is a substantial Cabernet that will pair well with the big flavors of a slow roasted prime rib, a hearty beef stew or a sizzling New York strip steak.