Matchbook Syrah 2005

BN#247204

$14.00 SKU2615

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Wine Description:
A full bodied red with fresh blueberry flavors and a hint of vanilla and spice on the finish. The
addition of Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure to the wine and helps smooth out the aggressive
tannins of the Syrah.

Brand Story:
As a farm kid growing up in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s John Giguiere (Founder) was a
confirmed pyromaniac starting various things on fire such as his father’s wheat field. At one point,
fearing total ruin from his kids burning him out of the house and farm, his father took them to the
city jail for an hour stay to impress upon his brother and him the futility of their fascination with
fire. John and his brother answered at a later date by graduating from random fires to the launching
of rockets which often blew up at some stage of the journey resulting in more random fires and a
call to the local fire department for help. They eventually grew out of this fascination with the
“Matchbook” but still have fond memories of the power they possessed.

Growing Season:
This was a warmer season than normal on average which accelerated the early fruit ripening. A
cool August allowed the grapes to hang on the vine well into September which produced incredible
quality. Harvest began September 6 and lasted all the way to November 2.

Winemaking Notes:
After a one-day cold soak, the tank was bled to concentrate flavors. We pressed off at 3 degrees
Brix after an eight-day fermentation to allow brighter, cleaner fruit expression and avoid heavy
tannins. After two aerative rackings the wine went down to barrel in October and blended in May
the following year. 20% of the barrels were new French oak coopered in Spain; the remaining
barrels were older adding richness to the mouthfeel without masking the fruit flavors of the wine.

Appellation: Dunnigan Hills
Location: 35 miles N.E. of Napa County
Alcohol: 13.9%
TA: .68
pH: 3.67
Blend: 89% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 4714 cases