Matchbook The Arsonist 2016 Chardonnay

We picked our Chardonnay clones 4 and 124 (Dijon) at night. The estate fruit went from vine to crusher in less than 30 minutes, arriving well before sunrise to ensure the fresh, fruit flavors were preserved. We used a yeast cocktail (a mixture of our winemaker’s favorite compatible yeasts) in all of the lots to ensure that complex fermentation characters evolved. These lots are barrel fermented, with frequent stirring of the lees. We then select 10% of the finest barrel lots and allow them to age an additional six months while maintaining a frequent stirring program. The barrels were then evaluated again and only half of the original top 10% were selected for the final blend of the 2016 Arsonist Chardonnay.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay: 92% Matchbook Vineyards, Dunnigan Hills; 8% Aquarius Vineyards, Russian River Valley

Alcohol: 14.3%

90 POINTS - "A toasty, oaky, spicy aroma precedes equally oaky flavors that are nevertheless backed by ripe, juicy pear and ginger notes. These tones expand on the palate and linger on the finish. It's full bodied and broad in texture." Wine Enthusiast

Enjoy as an apéritif or pair with fettuccine alfredo, poached lobster drawn in butter or your favorite salmon recipe.