Matchbook Dunnigan Hills Old Head Chardonnay 2019 (California)

Matchbook Dunnigan Hills Old Head Chardonnay 2019 (California)Toasty oak Apricot & honey Butter & toast Creamy texture "Splendidly ripe and complex, the wine shows grilled peach, baked fig, cedar and vanilla characters on the nose. It's equally satisfying on the palate with excellent weight and roundness, combined with creamy mouthfeel and refreshing acidity, finishing gorgeously long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2024" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Nov 2020 "Theres no mistaking the nutty, creamy vanilla rich

• Toasty oak
• Apricot & honey
• Butter & toast
• Creamy texture

"Splendidly ripe and complex, the wine shows grilled peach, baked fig, cedar and vanilla characters on the nose. It's equally satisfying on the palate with excellent weight and roundness, combined with creamy mouthfeel and refreshing acidity, finishing gorgeously long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2024" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Nov 2020

"There’s no mistaking the nutty, creamy vanilla rich bouquet with aromas of toasty wood and cashew nut, roasted peach and baked vanilla custard. Full-bodied, creamy texture with flavours of stone fruits, burnt butter, nut and baking spices on the palate. Balanced and well made, ready to enjoy from today and through 2022" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Dec 2020

"Bright, medium yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is open and gentle, nuances of pineapple, peach interweaves burnt butter, spiced nuts and creamy custard. Full-bodied, the flavours are complexed, pineapple, stonefruit have a good core, melded with custard, burnt butter and pastry, followed by toffee caramel, candied hazelnuts, and spices linger. The range of flavours integrated harmoniously, nutty oak and butter added richness. The creamy and full palate balanced by brilliant acidity left a lengthy, fulsome finish. Match with peanut butter chicken and hazelnut-crusted pork over the next 3-4 years. Estate grown fruit on Dunnigan Hills, 97% Chardonnay, 3% Verdejo, fermented in 75% barrel, 25% stainless steel to 13.9% alc. A combination of French, American & European oak (22% new oak), 60% MLF" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, May 2021

The 2019 vintage is true to the Matchbook Chardonnay signature style: a delicious balance of fruit and toasty oak. A golden sunshine color, the wine opens with a fresh bouquet of melons and apples. The aromas are echoed in the rich flavors of apricot and honey, butter and toast. 60% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation adding a nice creamy texture that leads to a long, lingering finish.

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. The Matchbook flame is an homage to the Giguiere brothers’ youthful fascination with fire. Today Matchbook Wine Company produces over 15 wines showcasing the varietals that perform best in our warm, dry climate.

Six different clones of Chardonnay were artfully blended to create this wine. All the grapes were picked at night and delivered to the winery before sunrise to ensure the fruit was crushed when cool. We used yeast “cocktails” (a mixture of our winemaker’s favorite compatible yeasts) on all lots to allow complex fermentation characters to evolve. The barrel fermented lots were lees stirred twice a month to enhance texture and mouthfeel. Most of the tank fermented lots were barreled down to complete aging. Combination of French, American & European oak: 22% New oak.  The Musqué clone 809 was tank fermented where it remained to hold on to all of its sweet fruit characters. A small amount of estate grown Verdejo was added for complexity and intrigue.

Food Pairing: Pair this versatile Chardonnay with grilled chicken, shellfish and chopped salads.