| Vintage: | 2008 |
| Wine Type: | Dry White Wine |
| Varietal: | Chardonnay |
| Appellation: | Dunnigan Hills |
| Alcohol %: | 13.9 |
Tasting Notes:
Matchbook Chardonnay is more European in style in that the oak levels are restrained, alcohols are reduced and the wine is fermented dry. The Chardonnay from the Matchbook Vineyard adds tropical fruit aromas and flavors; the barrel fermentation contributes creamy, honey flavors and roundness to the texture. The Russian River Valley fruit adds casaba melon, Pippen apple flavors and slatey mineral undertones. The Viognier adds lovely honeysuckle aromas and the tiny touch of fruit sweetness that makes this wine so appealing.
Vineyard Notes:
Late bud break with slow shoot growth through May due to endless early season rains. The temperatures soared in mid-season resulting in phenomenal vine growth during this period. Things cooled back down during veraision, allowing for plenty of hang time and full maturity. Harvest began September 8 and lasted through October 12.
Production Notes:
The grapes were crushed, pressed and settled on the first day, then inoculated with yeast and barreled down. After barrel fermentation, the wine allowed to age in barrels for eight months while being stirred regularly. The wine was then racked off the lees and blended. 22% of the barrels used were new French oak; 78% of the barrel aged wine was in "Old Head" French oak - used barrels - to add weight to the mouthfeel without masking the fresh fruit flavors of the wine.
Production:
12,000 cases produced
Other Notes:
Blend: 90% Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay, 7% unoaked Russian River Chardonnay, 3% Viognier