N.V. Matanzas Creek Proprietor's Blend

Matanzas Creek Winery in Sonoma Valley was founded in 1977 by Bill and Sandra MacIver. The 69-acre estate quickly became known for Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, earning excellent reviews for those wines. In 2000 the MacIvers sold the estate to Jess Jackson, owner of Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and the Artisan & Estates group of boutique wineries. Today the estate makes a wider range of wines. Though still known for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, it also produces Syrah and a premium line of wines under the Journey label.

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.