Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend – Explosively Good

28 delicious months in oak barrels make for one tasty wine, the Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend.

52% Petit Verdot from Dunnigan Hills, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon from Chalk Hill and 24% Merlot from Lake County, California. The wine spends 28 months on a combination of French (“Magrennan”), American (“EBC” and “Heritage”) and hybrid American and European (“Cooperages 1912” and “Demptos”) barrels.

The Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend has an SRP of $22 and is available for as low as $19. 2,878 cases produced. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

Fire stealing Prometheus stole a Spark of the sun to be placed in Human hands, and changed our Destiny.

13.8% Alcohol

The 2012 Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend begins with an absolutely intoxicating aroma of plum, licorice, cinnamon, spice, blueberry and more. Lots of secondary notes come out in the glass with a little air as well. The lovefest continues when tasting this smooth, delicious wine. There is, of course, lots of rich, ripe dark fruit but also hints of chocolate, more cinnamon and licorice and even a bit of bramble. Chewy tannins lead into the dry, lingering finish.

To be honest I was a little worried when I saw the 28 months in oak, but this was surprisingly good with the oak playing off the rich fruit perfectly. Yes, it’s pushing the top end of our price range, but given the price of oak barrels this is actually an incredibly good deal for a wine of this quality. And while it’s big and delicious, it’s not big and boozy clocking in at just 13.8% alcohol.

Looking for more great red blends under $20? Find all of our recommendations, plus more tips on finding great value, right here.

See a listing of local retailers selling the Matchbook The Arsonist Red Blend here.