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

East of Napa, Left of Center: The Giguiere family embodies Dunnigan Hills winemaking. In 1981 they pioneered grape-growing in this region when they planted their very first vineyard. By 1993 they’d succeeded in making the Dunnigan Hills a nationally recognized American appellation. Today Matchbook Wine Company produces over 15 wines showcasing the varietals that perform best in the warm, dry climate.

Production notes

The estate grown 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. The tanks were pumped over several times a day until nearly dry, then were pressed. The wine was aged in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for 12 months. The best barrel lots were chosen for the final blend.

Tasting notes

The wine opens with the beautiful varietal aromas of mocha, leather and toasty oak. Plush flavors of blackberry, vanilla, deep red fruit and olive tapenade are rich and mouth-coating. The dense flavours surround the tannins for a finish that is well-structured and smooth. This is a substantial Cabernet that will pair well with the big flavours of a slow roasted prime rib, a hearty beef stew or a sizzling New York strip steak.