MATCHBOOK WINES
Cabernet Sauvignon
2018
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
Matchbook Estate vineyard soils are predominantly Corning red gravel – great for optimum vine balance & flavor concentration. They extensively experiment with new trellising systems to produce smaller clusters and berries with intense color and varietal flavors. Their vineyards are sustainably farmed and they use deficit irrigation to improve flavors intensity, conserve water and create an ideal growing environment for the vines.
Production notes
These Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were harvested in the cool early mornings and delivered from the estate vineyards to the winery in less than 30 minutes. Vineyard lots are fermented and aged separately and then blended to craft delicious wines with great structure and layered flavors. 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. Wine was aged in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for 12 months.
Tasting notes
The 2018 Matchbook Cabernet Sauvignon opens with enticing aromas of saddle leather, cigar box and mesquite. The mouth-coating flavors of blackberry, black cherry, clove and star anise linger in the long finish. This is a substantial Cabernet with big chewy tannins 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.
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.
See detailed press review- 92 points -
October 2021This wine displays aromas and flavors of black fruit, dried leaves, and oak. Serve it with grilled beef.
See detailed press review- 92 points -
GOLD MEDAL
Michael Cervin, July 2020 (Vintage 2018)A more subtle and expressive cab, with muted acidity and tight tannins.
See detailed press review- 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.
See detailed press review- 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.
See detailed press review- 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
See detailed press review