Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon opens with classic Cabernet aromas of saddle leather, cigar box, and a touch of earthy eucalyptus. Sumptuous flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, huckleberry and mocha are framed by sweet oak and vanilla from barrel aging. Fine-grained, dusty tannins add a plush structure to the finish.
Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 5% Petite Sirah
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Mitigated by mild Sacramento River Delta breezes, the Dunnigan Hills appellation is in the northwest portion of Yolo County and has a Mediterranean climate.