Matchbook ‘The Arsonist’ Cabernet Sauvignon California 2022

Dozens of people told the Giguiere family they were totally insane when they decided to pioneer grape growing in Dunnigan Hills, a small area of Yolo County in the Sacramento Valley. But they remained undeterred.

They planted their first grapes in 1981, and by 1993 they had even succeeded in getting the Dunnigan Hills nationally recognized as an AVA.

The Giguiere brothers realized that the area was perfect compared to the rest of the Sacramento Valley because of the maximized sun exposure which limits the risk of frost. Not only that, but they also figured out that Big Red varietals such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon were well suited for the climate.

Years later, Matchbook Wine Company continues to lead the pack in the Dunnigan Hills. The king himself, Robert Parker Jr., was always a fan of the project, writing that Matchbook produced, “some thrilling value-priced wines under the capable hands of winemaker Dan Cedarquist.” But I’m sure even Parker couldn’t have predicted the wines would get this good and yet stay so affordable.