Review: Wines of Matchbook, 2012 Releases
Based in Zamora, California, JL Giguiere’s Matchbook (not to be confused with Matchless, which also features a scorched label design and will likely soon be embroiled in a trademark lawsuit with this wine) can be found in the Dunnigan Hills AVA, in Yolo County north of Sacramento. Why “Matchbook?” Because, Giguiere says, he was a confirmed pyromaniac as a use. Here’s how the firestarter’s passion for flames translates to his passion for wine… in two versions of Tempranillo.
2011 Matchbook Rose of Tempranillo Dunnigan Hills – This rose sits on skins for 24 hours, giving it a nicely orange/pink color. Pretty orange, strawberry, and rose petal notes on the nose, which extend to the body. A bit sweet on the finish for my tastes, but perfectly pleasant enough for summer drinking. B / $10
2009 Matchbook Tempranillo Dunnigan Hills – A quiet Tempranillo, restrained but quite engaging with modest plum and some currant character. Wood and evergreen notes with a cherry finish. Very easy drinking and quite youthful and fresh — but far from a complicated wine. B+ / $25
2011 Matchbook Rose of Tempranillo Dunnigan Hills
$10
