Arsonist Chardonnay 2019

MATCHBOOK WINES

Arsonist Chardonnay
2019

Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Yolo, Dunnigan Hills
Varietal(s)
Chardonnay 100 %
Colour
White
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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Production notes

A yeast cocktail (a mixture of the winemaker’s favorite compatible yeasts) was used in all the lots to ensure that complex fermentation characters evolved. These lots were barrel fermented, with frequent stirring of the lees. All of the barrel lots went through malolactic fermentation. Ten percent of the finest barrel lots were then selected 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.

Tasting notes

Classically rich and luscious with dense flavours of butterscotch, crème brûlée, honey and pineapple. An underlayer of toasty oak and caramel from barrel aging adds complexity. Tropical flavours, so characteristic of the Dunnigan Hills appellation, add a fresh balance. The creamy texture and bright, crisp fruit linger in the finish. Pair with lobster bisque, mesquite grilled shrimp or pasta in a cream sauce.

Press reviews

Critics Challenge

- 90 points -

GOLD

Michael Cervin, July 2020 (Vintage 2018)

Soft and silky with lots of earthy and resin notes.

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 Wine Enthusiast

- 90 points -

August 2018 (Vintage 2016)

A toasty, oaky, spicy aroma precedes equally oaky flavors that are nevertheless backed by ripe, juicy pear and ginger notes. These tones expand on the palate and linger on the finish. It's full bodied and broad in texture.

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