Winemaker Notes
#71 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2020
The 2017 Arsonist Red Blend is Matchbook's left of center take on the classic Bordeaux blend. Anchored by Petit Verdot this robust red has loads of earthy leather and brambly fruit in the bouquet. The blend of three powerhouse reds delivers broad flavors of plum, blackberry, mocha and vanilla; barrel aging adds a nice dose of oak and a grip of tannin. The finish lingers with boysenberry and old-fashioned cigar box. This full-flavored red calls for a thick steak or a big prime rib.
Blend: 53% Petit Verdot, 24% Malbec, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Matchbook Arsonist Red Table Wine offers excellent density and persistence. TASTING NOTES: This wine explodes with lush, ripe fruit aromas and flavors. Enjoy its layered palate with a juicy, grilled ribeye. (Tasted: June 4, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine is superconcentrated and complex in its array of red and black fruit flavors, with subtle oak spices and a rich texture. A blend of Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a mouth coating effect and a lingering gorgeous finish.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!