Matchbook 2007 Tempranillo -- Wine Review

Bold Berry Flavor
Crew Wines
2007 Matchbook Tempranillo
California

Matchbook is named, oddly, for owner John Giguiere's childhood fascination with matches. John is best known as the founder of R.H. Phillips winery and was involved with that winery until 2005. Left with a lot of spare time on his hands, John founded Crew Wines, a company with wines made for four different labels: Mossback; Chasing Venus; Sawbuck and Matchbook. Under the Matchbook label, Crew produces four different wines in the up-and-coming wine region of Dunnigan Hills: Chardonnay, Syrah, red blend and Tempranillo. On the nose, the Tempranillo offers notes of blackberry, cherry and a touch of smoke. Medium-bodied, the '07 has zingy, tart berry acidity and chewy tannins. Flavors are of blackberry and blueberry, cherry, vanilla and a touch of spice at the back of the palate. The wine's length is fairly short but the direct, clean acidity makes up for this shortcoming. Serve it with thick, grilled steaks and ribs. The wine's berry flavors will cut even the richest of meats. A food-friendly style of wine, it would also work well with Mediterranean grilled veggies, potato salad, seared tuna or even a flourless chocolate cake.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $15

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For more information, visit http://crewwines.com