Matchbook Chardonnay “The Arsonist” 2021, Dunnigan Hills, California

The Wine: Rich, creamy and complex the 2021 Arsonist is a blend the best barrel lots of our estate-grown Chardonnay. This is a classic California Chard with dense flavors of butterscotch, Crème Brûlée, custard and caramel. Toasty oak, vanilla and a touch of brown sugar from barrel aging adds complexity. Tropical flavors, so characteristic of the Dunnigan Hills appellation, add a layer of freshness. The luscious texture is balanced by crisp pear flavors and a bright minerality that freshen the finish. The wine was fermented in a selection of American and European oak of which 31% was new French oak. 5% was fermented in cement eggs to enhance the bright fruit flavors. 100 % of the barrel lots went through malolactic fermentation, aged 9 months and stirred repetitively to enhance richness. We then selected 10% of the nest barrel lots and allowed them to age an additional five months while maintaining a frequent stirring program. The barrels were evaluated again and only half of the original top 10% were selected for the final blend of the 2021 Arsonist Chardonnay.