Matchbook Old Head Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay 2021 (California)

Matchbook Old Head Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay 2021 (California)"It's immediately appealing on the nose, showing pineapple, mango, roasted hazelnut and subtle butterscotch aromas. The palate delivers creamy texture and fleshy mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by beautifully pitched acidity, finishing delicious and lingering. At its best: now to 2027" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2024 "A complete bouquet and expression of Chardonnay that is both familiar and inviting. Aromas and flavours of golden apple and grapefruit,

"It's immediately appealing on the nose, showing pineapple, mango, roasted hazelnut and subtle butterscotch aromas. The palate delivers creamy texture and fleshy mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by beautifully pitched acidity, finishing delicious and lingering. At its best: now to 2027" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2024

"A complete bouquet and expression of Chardonnay that is both familiar and inviting. Aromas and flavours of golden apple and grapefruit, citrus and white peach. As the wine begins to open out in glass the flavours and textures from oak rise with a Brazil-nut and vanilla cream quality. Near full-bodied in weight with balanced use of acidity and warming alcohol for texture and length. Well made, quite classic, very easy to drink and super food friendly. Best from day of purchase through 2029" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Apr 2024

The 2021 vintage of Matchbook Chardonnay is a blend of the six clones grown in the Matchbook estate vineyards. The diversity of clones grown on various vineyard sites contribute layers of complex flavors. The color is classic- California golden straw. The flavors are dominated by the tropical notes that have become a signiture of our Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay: pineapple, mango and melon. 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture and a touch of butterscotch; oak aging adds a note of vanilla. The dash of Verdejo brightens the wine with a lift of minerality. This delicious Chardonnay has a satisfyingly plump mouthfeel that is balanced by the crisp, fresh fruit that lingers in the 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. The Musqué clone 809 was tank fermented where it remained to hold on to all its sweet fruit characters.

Food Pairing: Pair this easy drinking Chardonnay with buttery scallops, grilled chicken, or pasta with a cream sauce.