The Tempranillo and Graciano vines grown in our Matchbook Vineyard in the Dunnigan Hills are from cuttings imported from the Pesquera region of Spain. While the traditional earthy and spicy flavors are evident from the old-world varietals, the Matchbook Tempranillo shows its California upbringing in the layers of dark berry and cherry flavors and hint of vanilla from oak aging. The addition of Petite Sirah adds aromas and flavors of blueberries.

Blend: 77% Tempranillo, 14% Petite Sirah, 9% Graciano
Production: 3000 cases

Early bud break with excellent weather during the flowering set. A cooler than normal growing season resulted in higher acids and structure in the wines.

The grapes were bled of 15% of their juice after 18 hours of soaking to concentrate flavors. The must was inoculated with yeast and pumped over twice a day. After fermentation, the wine was pressed, settled, then racked to a combination of new and used oak barrels. After nineteen months in oak the wine was blended in March 2008 and bottled a month later.