- 99 points -
DOUBLE GOLD
2024 (Vintage 2021)Classic Cabernet Sauvignon flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and mocha are layered over fine-grained tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.
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MATCHBOOK WINES
Cabernet Sauvignon
2021
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Yolo, Dunnigan Hills
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon
79 %
Petit Verdot
12 %
Petite Sirah
9 %
Colour
Red
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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Tasting notes
The 2021 Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon opens with classic Cabernet aromas of saddle leather, cigar box and a touch of earthy eucalyptus. Sumptuous flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, huckleberry and mocha are framed by sweet oak and vanilla from barrel aging. Fine-grained, dusty tannins add a plush structure to the finish.
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.
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- 92 points -
October 2021This wine displays aromas and flavors of black fruit, dried leaves, and oak. Serve it with grilled beef.
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- 92 points -
GOLD MEDAL
Michael Cervin, July 2020 (Vintage 2018)A more subtle and expressive cab, with muted acidity and tight tannins.
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- 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.
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- 91 points -
January 2025 (Vintage 2022)This wine is bright and lively, with aromas of dark berries, malted chocolate, crushed florals and notes of toasted vanilla. Structured with gripping tannins the palate opens with flavors of cranberry-strawberry, black raspberry and dried bay leaf, which evolve into red plum and citrus zest.
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- 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.
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- 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
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