- 99 points -
DOUBLE GOLD
2024 (Vintage 2021)Classic Cabernet Sauvignon flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and mocha are layered over fine-grained tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.
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MATCHBOOK WINES
Cabernet Sauvignon
2016
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Yolo, Dunnigan Hills
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Petit Verdot
Malbec
Tannat
Alcohol percentage
13.9%
Colour
Red
Aging vessel type
French, Hungarian and American oak
Length of aging
14 months
Total acidity
6.03 g/l
PH
3.82
Producer's website
About this winery
Why Matchbook? As a farm kid growing up in the late 1950´s and early 1960´s John Giguiere was a confirmed pyromaniac starting various things on fire such as his father´s wheat field. At one point, fearing total ruin from his kids burning him out of the house and farm, his father took them to the city jail for an hour stay to impress upon his brother and him the futility of their fascination with fire. John and his brother answered at a later date by graduating from random fires to the...
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Product notes
The 2016 Matchbook Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted entirely from grape to bottle on the Matchbook Wine Company estate.
Production notes
The grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. A combination of specially selected yeast was used to enhance color and flavor extraction without harsh tannins. The pumped the tanks 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, 19% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec and 1% Tannat to create a boldly flavored Dunnigan Hills Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting notes
The 2016 Matchbook Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted entirely from grape to bottle on the Matchbook Wine Company estate. Aromas of tobacco, dark fruit, clove, violet and mocha emerge from this deep-ruby colored wine. Rich, juicy, mouth-filling flavors of black cherry, blueberries and cassis are followed by a lovely, lingering finish with firm and chocolatey tannins. Pair with a sizzling New York strip steak, meat lover’s pizza or roast beef.
Press reviews
- 93 points -
January 2022 (Vintage 2020)This potent and rather compact wine shows excellent concentration and a quiet strength that comes out with time in the glass, as velvety tannins wrap around blueberries, dark chocolate and tobacco notes.
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- 92 points -
October 2021This wine displays aromas and flavors of black fruit, dried leaves, and oak. Serve it with grilled beef.
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- 92 points -
GOLD MEDAL
Michael Cervin, July 2020 (Vintage 2018)A more subtle and expressive cab, with muted acidity and tight tannins.
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- 91 points -
October 2020This is a brawny, full-bodied and firmly tannic wine that’s nevertheless seductive, complex and layered. A dark color and impressions of tobacco, black currant and sage make it delicious to sip.
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- 91 points -
January 2025 (Vintage 2022)This wine is bright and lively, with aromas of dark berries, malted chocolate, crushed florals and notes of toasted vanilla. Structured with gripping tannins the palate opens with flavors of cranberry-strawberry, black raspberry and dried bay leaf, which evolve into red plum and citrus zest.
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- 90 points -
BEST BUY
October 2018This wine blends subtle spices with rich fruit for a seductive flavor profile. It maintains a velvety texture on the palate and through the lingering finish. Flavors of blueberry and baking spice give it plenty of personality. Best Buy.
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- 90 points -
#87 Top 100 Best Buy 2021
Jim Gordon, September 2021 (Vintage 2019)This full-bodied and moderately tannic wine is well-packed with ripe blackberries and blueberries on a velvety, mouthcoating texture. Good concentration and ripeness bring a warm, rich impression to the palate
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