MATCHBOOK WINES
Tinto Rey
2012
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Yolo, Dunnigan Hills
Varietal(s)
Tempranillo
50 %
Syrah
27 %
Petit Verdot
11 %
Graciano
8 %
Tannat
4 %
Alcohol percentage
13.9%
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
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...
See the MATCHBOOK WINES detail page for more information on this brand
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 tanks were pumped over twice a day until nearly dry, then pressed and aged in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for 26 months. The best barrel lots were chosen for this complex blend of 50% Tempranillo, 27% Syrah, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Graciano and 4% Tannat to create an elegantly structured and boldly flavoured wine.
Tasting notes
Tinto Rey is Spanish for “Red King,” and Tempranillo is the king of Spanish red wines. It’s also the most important varietal in our Matchbook Vineyard. That’s why Tempranillo is the foundation in our unique Mediterranean blend. Rich aromas of blueberry, red fruit and rustic leather stand out as flavors of boysenberry and red currant lead to hints of chocolate truffle and plum. The Tinto Rey is medium-bodied and seamless, with soft-grain tannins and just an edge of zesty tartness weaved in with the sweetness of the fruit. Pair with a rare rack of lamb, spicy Spanish sausage or wood-fired pepperoni and bell pepper pizza.
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.
See detailed press review
- 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.
See detailed press review
- 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.
See detailed press review
- 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.
See detailed press review