Matchbook Old Head Chardonnay 2020, Dunnigan Hills, California

100% Giguiere Family Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay. This Estate Bottled Chardonnay is a showcase for the Dunnigan Hills terroir, with lush, full, rich tropical characters. 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. 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. 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 of its sweet fruit characters. A small amount of estate grown Verdejo was added for complexity and intrigue.