- 90 points -
GOLD
Michael Cervin, July 2020 (Vintage 2018)Soft and silky with lots of earthy and resin notes.
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MATCHBOOK WINES
Arsonist Chardonnay
2016
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...
See the MATCHBOOK WINES detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
Chardonnay clones 4 and 124 (Dijon) were picked at night to ensure the fresh, fruit flavors were preserved. The lots are barrel fermented, with frequent stirring of the lees. 10% of the finest barrel lots are selected and left to age an additional six months while maintaining a frequent stirring program. The barrels are evaluated once more. From the original press the top 10% is selected for the final blend of the 2016 Arsonist Chardonnay.
Production notes
The Arsonist wines showcase what Matchbook do best in the Dunnigan Hills. These wines are sourced from Matchbook's best vineyard sites and vinified in their finest barrels. Matchbook treats every small lot as a unique wine, nurturing its special qualities. At the final selection, the best barrels from the best lots come together to make truly exceptional wines.
Tasting notes
2016 Arsonist Chardonnay showcases a beautiful straw color in the glass opens to enticing aromas of cream and honeysuckle that mingles with vanilla spice. Flavors of butterscotch, crème brûlèe, pineapple and mango bring this rich wine to life.
Press reviews
- 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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