The fragrance of berries, earth, pepper spice and leather waft from the glass letting you know that this wine is classic Syrah. Subtle notes of vanilla and powdered chocolate round out the aromas. Juicy flavors of blackberries and blueberries lead to a long finish of dusty coco powder. The 2008 Matchbook Syrah has a soft silky entry with broad rounded tannins. Full bodied and deep, this wine invites you to slow down and contemplate the complex layers of aromas and flavors.

Blend: 92% Dunnigan Hills Syrah, 4% Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 3,950 cases

2008 was noted for severe frost damage and out of control forest fires in the northern counties; however, our vineyard was not affected with any smoke taint. The hazy sky did slow down the ripening process which allowed the grapes to gain complexity and intensity.

The syrah grapes grown in our Matchbook Vineyard were harvested over 16 days; from August 30 to October 15 in seven separate lots. The last one picked was the full-flavored and complex 383 clone, the backbone of the blend. We pressed off the skins at dryness and barrel aged the wine for 26 months in French and American oak barrels. We added a blend of Chalk Hill and Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon to improve mouth feel and increase depth.