Matchbook 2013 Tempranillo, Dunnigan Hills

This unique wine is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 3% Tannat and 7% Petit Verdot. The Tempranillo is two standout Spanish clones; Ribera del Duero and Tinta de Toro vines grown on estate vineyards of the Giguiere family in Dunnigan Hills. In 1981 they pioneered grape-growing in this region of California which is not dissimilar to Rioja. The grapes were gently crushed and fermented in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine aged in 22% new French and American oak barrels for 21 months. This won a Double Gold Medal in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and scored 95 points, a Platinum Medal in the Critics Challenge Wine Competition. They said  "The dry, warm climate of Dunnigan Hills, near Sacramento, mimics the climate of parts of Spain and Portugal where Tempranillo thrives, so it’s no surprise that this vintage from Matchbook is a stunner. Showing layers of rich, ripe black fruits, with supple tannins and a note of wood spice, it’s one of the finest California reds you will ever find at this price. A Platinum award-winner at the 2017 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition."