Matchbook Estate Bottled Petit Verdot 2019, Dunnigan Hills, California

Matchbook Estate Bottled Petit Verdot showcases the advantage of the Dunnigan Hills appellation’s long growing season: the varietal characteristics of deep, rich flavors develop fully when allowed to slowly ripen well into the fall. The long, giving aromas of plum, prune, blueberry and vanilla show up in the mouth-filling flavors. An earthy note of tobacco mixed with flavors of mocha, cream cola and rhubarb adds complexity. The lingering, dusty finish hangs on the palate. The estate grown grapes were gently crushed 20 minutes after harvest and transferred to small temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks for a 24-hour cold soak. The wine was inoculated with two kinds of yeast for enhanced color and moderate fermentation rates. Fermentation temperature was kept low (75F) for first half of the fermentation then let rise to 85F. This helps to enhance fruit characters and minimize excessive tannins. After pressing at dryness, wines were barrel aged separately for 6 months. The final blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah was barrel aged for another 16 months.