Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend 2017, California

2017 vintage: 53% Petit Verdot, 24% Malbec, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. Petit Verdot is the backbone of The Arsonist Red Blend. This thick-skinned grape yields concentrated, tannic wines with lots of color. Aged properly, Petit Verdot rounds out to develop rich, thick, full-structured wines. The Petit Verdot for this blend is from three of the Matchbook Estate Vineyards in the Dunnigan Hills, Richie Ranch, Gemmer and Lederer. Malbec: This deeply colored grape contributes inky dark color, tannins and flavors of plum and dark chocolate to the blend. The Malbec in the 2017 Arsonist Red Blend adds to the richness of the mid-palate and is from Matchbook Estate’s Gemmer Vineyard. Cabernet Sauvignon: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Sweetwater in Chalk Hill, Salley Vine Vineyard in Alexander Valley and Gemmer Vineyard in Dunnigan Hills adds length and depth to The Arsonist Red Blend. Due to its thick skin, Cabernet Sauvignon develops deep blue hues of black fruit with big tannins that allow the blend to develop and age well over the years.