ONE OF THE BEST AMERICAN CHARDONNAYS WE HAVE TASTED IN THIS PRICE BAND
FIVE STARS 93/100 | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
FIVE STARS | The Wine Writer
FIVE STARS | Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
91/100 'Premium' | Cameron Douglas MS
Fans of bold, mouthfilling Californian Chardonnay, it's time to focus. Matchbook 2021 from the Dunnigan Hills sub region is an exciting release to hit the New Zealand market and in our view, it is clearly the best of the USA Chardonnays we have seen in this price bracket in recent years.
Dry to taste and overflowing with ripe stonefruit, lemon crème brûlée, sizzled butter and toasty oak flavours, this is everything you can ask for in American Chardonnay and seeing wine of this calibre in the sub$25 bracket is a massive win for local fans of robust Chardonnay.
Thankfully Matchbook sidesteps the sweeter fruit characters of some of the market leaders in this category and has been handled with respect in the winery. Buy with our highest recommendation.
ADVERTISED DISCOUNTS
A change to the licencing laws means we can no longer advertise discounts on our website that show savings of 25% or more off the recommended retail product price. Products on this site will still be as sharply priced as they have always been. We simply can no longer tell you when savings of over 25% are on offer. Please email or call us on 0800 111 660 to ascertain specific product savings.
Cameron Douglas MS writes "A complete bouquet and expression of Chardonnay that is both familiar and inviting. Aromas and flavours of golden apple and grapefruit, citrus and white peach. As the wine begins to open out in glass the flavours and textures from oak rise with a Brazil-nut and vanilla cream quality. Near full-bodied in weight with balanced use of acidity and warming alcohol for texture and length. Well made, quite classic, very easy to drink and super food friendly."
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "It's immediately appealing on the nose, showing pineapple, mango, roasted hazelnut and subtle butterscotch aromas. The palate delivers creamy texture and fleshy mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by beautifully pitched acidity, finishing delicious and lingering."
The winery writes "The 2021 vintage of Matchbook Chardonnay blends the six clones grown in the Matchbook estate vineyards. The diversity of clones grown on various vineyard sites contributes layers of complex flavors. The color is classic California golden straw. The flavors are dominated by the tropical notes that have become a signature of their Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay: pineapple, mango, and melon. 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture and a touch of butterscotch; oak aging adds the note of vanilla. The dash of Verdejo brightens the wine with a lift of minerality. This delicious Chardonnay has a satisfyingly plump mouthfeel balanced by the crisp, fresh fruit that lingers in the finish."
Stock Level: | Out of Stock |
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Vintage: | 2021 |
Volume: | 750ML |
Alcohol: | 13.9 |
Seal Type: | Screwcap |
12/07/19
Better than Bogle!
Classic American Chardonnay!
12/07/19
My all time favourite
I love this Chardy! Big bold buttery! Just the way I like it.