Grgich Hills Chardonnay
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The fruit for this wine thrives in their American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into the San Francisco Bay.
- The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas.
- This vineyard site is farmed naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: The Chardonnay did not undergo malolactic fermentation, in order to preserve its natural acidity. Fermented with indigenous yeast and then aged 6 months in french oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Ripe peach, mango and tropical flavors, with a note of minerality
PRESS
2015 – 95 Wine Enthusiast “Editor’s Choice”
2016 – 93 Wine Enthusiast “Cellar Selection” | 97 Decanter (World Wine Award: Platinum)
2017 – 93 Wine Advocate
2018 – 92 James Suckling | 92 Wine Advocate
2020 – 95 Decanter | 93 James Suckling | 92 Wine Advocate | 92 Wine & Spirit
2021 – 93 Wine Advocate | 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Vintners Hall of Fame inductee Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first earned world-wide recognition when the Chardonnay he crafted won the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best of France. This tasting helped shatter the myth that only French soil could produce the world’s greatest wines and drawing international attention to Napa Valley wines. Mike then partnered with Austin Hills to open their family-owned-and-operated winery in 1977.
Since 2003, Grgich Hill’s has produced wines that are 100% estate-grown and bottled. Grgich Hills is committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, they farm their five estate vineyards without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. They are all certified organic.
Grgich Hills Estate is deeply rooted in family. The winery was founded by two families, Grgich and Hills, joined together in the pursuit of creating the best wines in the world. Today, Mike’s daughter, Violet Grgich, is President and Ivo Jeramaz, Mike’s nephew, is Winemaker/VP of Vineyards & Production. Grgich Hills now welcomes a third generation to the winery – Maja Jeramaz, Mike’s grand-niece, and Justin Hills, Austin’s son.