2018 The Arsonist Red Blend
This is the Matchbook "Left of Center" twist on a Bordeaux blend: 52% Petit Verdot, 26% Malbec and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon.
90 points from Wine Spectator: ". . . juicy, dense cherry and boysenberry flavors at the core. Plenty of harmony on the finish."
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Arsonist Red Blend is our left of center take on the classic Bordeaux blend. Anchored by Petit Verdot the grace of the wine shows in an elegant bouquet of plum, raspberry and mocha. The blend of three powerhouse reds delivers full flavors of blackberry, cherry, chocolate and pepper spice; barrel aging adds a nice dose of vanilla oak. The finish lingers with dark fruit flavors, herbs and old-fashioned saddle leather.
Production Notes
Petit Verdot (52%): The backbone of The Arsonist Red Blend, this thick-skinned, deeply colored grape is the Power player of the blend. Aged properly, Petit Verdot develops hefty, full-structured wines with rich flavors of plum, blackberry and spice. The Petit Verdot for this blend is from four of the Matchbook Estate Vineyards in the Dunnigan Hills: Richie Ranch, Gemmer, Gravel Pit and Lederer.
Malbec (26%): This deeply hued grape contributes inky color and flavors of dark fruit and chocolate to the blend. The Malbec in the 2019 Arsonist Red Blend adds to the richness of the mid-palate and is from Matchbook Estate’s Richie Ranch and Gemmer vineyards.
Cabernet Sauvignon (22%): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Salley Vine Vineyard in Alexander Valley and Gravel Pit vineyard in Dunnigan Hills. The two-appellation blend adds the grace notes to the finished wine that show up in the elegant bouquet, the round mouthfeel and the touch of herbal spice.
Pairings
This is a big-flavored wine that pairs well with the richness of grilled lamb chops or a well-marbled rib-eye steak.
| Vintage |
2018 |
| Wine Style |
Bold Red Wine |
| Varietal |
Premium Red Blend |
| Varietal Composition |
52%
Petit Verdot
26%
Malbec
22%
Cabernet Sauvignon
|
| Appellation |
California |
| Acid |
6.49 g/L |
| PH |
3.96 |
| Alcohol % |
13.9 |
| Size |
750 ml |
