Matchbook The Arsonist Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay 2021 (California)

Description

Oak, Peach, Smoke

"It's gorgeously styled and expressed, showing summer peach, mango, vanillin oak and brioche characters on the nose. The palate displays excellent concentration and depth, wonderfully framed by plush texture and beautifully infused acidity, finishing impressively long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Nov 20024

"A very engaging bouquet of roasted stone fruits, whipped cream, nut and pomaceous fruits. There’s a distinctive wood scents of smoke and spice, vanilla and nutmeg. Full-bodied with satin-cream texture, richness and persistent flavours of stone fruits, apple and spices that reflect the bouquet. Delicious, fresh and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Nov 2024

Rich, creamy and complex the 2021 Arsonist is a blend the best barrel lots of our estate-grown Chardonnay. This is a classic California Chard with dense flavors of butterscotch, Crème brûlée, custard and caramel. Toasty oak, vanilla and a touch of brown sugar from barrel aging adds complexity. Tropical flavors, so characteristic of the Dunnigan Hills appellation, add a layer of freshness. The luscious texture is balanced by crisp pear flavors and a bright minerality that freshen the finish.

We picked our Chardonnay clones 4 and 124 (Dijon) at night. The estate fruit went from vine to crusher in less than 30 minutes, arriving well before sunrise to ensure the fresh, fruit flavors were preserved. We used a yeast cocktail (a mixture of our winemaker’s favorite compatible yeasts) in all the lots to ensure that complex fermentation characters evolved. The wine was fermented in a selection of American and European oak of which 31% was new French oak. 5% was fermented in cement eggs to enhance the bright fruit flavors. 100 % of the barrel lots went through malolactic fermentation, aged 9 months and stirred repetitively to enhance richness. We then selected 10% of the finest barrel lots and allowed them to age an additional five months while maintaining a frequent stirring program. The barrels were evaluated again and only half of the original top 10% were selected for the final blend of the 2021 Arsonist Chardonnay.

Food Pairing: The Arsonist is one Chardonnay that is versatile enough to pair with everything from lobster bisque to a grilled steak.