Matchbook Syrah Dunnigan Hills

Matchbook Syrah Dunnigan Hills is a full-bodied California Syrah from Yolo County's Dunnigan Hills, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a 750ml format. The 2015 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon, who praised its bright acidity and balance — qualities he noted are often lacking in California Syrah.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California  |  Varietal: Syrah (with ~8% Cabernet Sauvignon)  |  Winery: Matchbook

Production & Heritage

Matchbook Winery farms its estate vineyards in the Dunnigan Hills appellation of Yolo County, a warm inland region north of Sacramento that shares more climatic kinship with the Rhône Valley than the cooler California coast. One of the most distinctive steps in production is that the Syrah grapes are gently crushed just 20 minutes after being harvested — an unusually rapid turnaround that preserves freshness and primary fruit character. Fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using a combination of specially selected and native yeasts, a dual approach designed to enhance color and flavor extraction without producing harsh tannins. A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (approximately 8%) is blended in to add structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe plum and dried cranberry lead, followed by earthy layers of leather, baking spice and cedar. A thread of burnt sage and black pepper adds a savory, almost Northern Rhône-like complexity.

Taste: The palate opens with concentrated black cherry and blueberry before shifting into dried fruit, truffle and white pepper at mid-palate. Moderate tannins and notably lively acidity create a tight, focused mouthfeel that keeps the wine from ever feeling heavy or overripe. The Cabernet Sauvignon component contributes a subtle structural backbone.

Finish: A lingering spiced-plum conclusion carries notes of anise and cedar, with a dusty tannin grip that slowly fades. The finish has enough persistence and grip to suggest genuine aging potential.

How to Drink Matchbook Syrah

This Syrah is at its most expressive slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F, served in a large-bowled glass that lets the earthy aromatics open up. Its lively acidity and moderate tannins also make it exceptionally versatile with food and in wine-based drinks. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well here, the wine's spice and dark fruit standing up to the sweetness. In a classic red wine sangria, the plum and black pepper notes add depth beyond what a simple fruit-forward red provides. For winter entertaining, a mulled wine built on this Syrah benefits from its natural baking-spice character, requiring less added seasoning.

Best For

• Weeknight grilling — its food-friendly acidity pairs naturally with charred meats and vegetables
• Introducing Rhône-style Syrah to drinkers who typically gravitate toward California Cabernet
• Building a value-driven cellar — multiple critics have noted its aging potential
• Hosting a blind tasting of California Syrah versus Northern Rhône to explore stylistic range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Matchbook Syrah taste like? It delivers concentrated black cherry, blueberry and plum flavors layered with white pepper, truffle and baking spice. Lively acidity and moderate tannins give it a balanced, medium-to-full-bodied structure that avoids the overripe heaviness common in some California Syrahs.

How does Matchbook Syrah compare to Bogle Petite Sirah? Bogle Petite Sirah, also from California's Central Valley area, tends to be inky, tannic and densely extracted, while Matchbook Syrah is lighter on its feet with brighter acidity, more aromatic complexity and a savory, peppery character closer to Rhône-style Syrah.

Is Matchbook Syrah good for pairing with food? Yes — Wine Enthusiast specifically called it "versatile with food," thanks to its bright acidity and moderate tannins that complement rather than overwhelm a wide range of dishes.

Where is Matchbook Syrah made? Matchbook Winery produces this Syrah from estate vineyards in the Dunnigan Hills appellation of Yolo County, California, a warm inland growing region located north of Sacramento in the northern Central Valley.

What foods pair well with Matchbook Syrah? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's black pepper and earthy notes. Slow-braised beef short ribs mirror its dried-fruit and truffle depth. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement the savory finish. Mushroom risotto echoes the truffle and leather aromatics. Smoked sausages stand up to the wine's spice and moderate tannin grip.

What sizes does Matchbook Syrah come in? Matchbook Syrah Dunnigan Hills is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Matchbook Syrah worth the price? This wine positions squarely in the value tier, yet has earned scores typically associated with bottles at significantly higher price points — 92 points from Wine Enthusiast is exceptional at this level, making it one of the stronger value plays in California Syrah.

Why Matchbook Syrah?

The 92-point Wine Enthusiast score places this among the highest-rated value Syrahs in California, and the consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages — including a 91-point score for the 2014 — suggests reliable quality rather than a single standout lot. The 20-minute harvest-to-crush window is a production detail more commonly associated with premium white wine or sparkling wine production, yet Matchbook applies it to Syrah with measurable results: a freshness and aromatic precision unusual for warm-climate reds. In a market where California Syrah often leans toward jammy ripeness, this bottle stands apart with its restrained acidity-driven profile and genuine Rhône-like character at a fraction of the typical cost.