MATCHBOOK WINES
Tinto Rey
2010
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Yolo, Dunnigan Hills
Varietal(s)
Tempranillo
49 %
Syrah
27 %
Graciano
15 %
Cabernet Sauvignon
6 %
Tannat
3 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Aging vessel type
Combination of French, American and Hungarian Oak barrels
Length of aging
26 months
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
2010 was picture perfect for us out here in the Dunnigan Hills. Cooler than normal temperatures and very little wind allowed us to ripen our grapes slowly, allowing maximum flavor and intensity.
Production notes
The grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. A combination of specially selected yeast and native yeast was used to enhance color and flavor extraction without harsh tannins.The best barrel lots were chosen for this complex blend to create an elegantly structured and boldly flavored wine.
Tasting notes
Tinto Rey means “Red King.”The aromas of the 2010 Tinto Rey are pure Spain in a glass; dark chocolate, earth and dusty cellar. The flavors are dense and complex with cedar and mocha layered over dried blueberry, poached fig and baking spices. A hint of eucalyptus hangs in the background. The finish is smooth with a balanced grip of tannins; silk with a backbone. This full-bodied red wine will pair well with the best cuts of meat.
Press reviews
- 92 points -
GOLD
Rich Cook, July 2020 (Vintage 2016)An expressive glass that brings the black cherry and fall spice, delivered on a supple structure that's approachable now and will age gracefully.
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- 92 points -
February 2018 (Vintage 2016)Intriguing and complex, this full-bodied wine combines bright elements of orange zest and pineapple with richer flavors of toasted almond, salted peanuts and dried figs. It is ripe in feel, but good acidity lifts it up and keeps the taste refreshing through a long finish.
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- 90 points -
GREAT VALUE SCORE
November 2015 (Vintage 2012)A juicy flood of earth-to-cherry graphite. The strawberry-cinnamon-cherry fruit keeps whetting the palate with Old World acidity and a velvet sleekness. The cherry-chocolate finish is worth the ride for this blend of 50% Tempranillo, 27% Syrah, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Graciano and 4% Tannat.
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- 89 points -
Jim Gordon, December 2014This blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and other varieties is medium to full bodied, nicely tannic and firm in texture. Bold in flavor, it tastes complete and well crafted without being too showy. The balance is dry and the flavors resemble cranberry and ripe cherry.
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