Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Their 34-acre estate vineyard above Calistoga is the warmest of their vineyards and the sole source of Zinfandel.
- Its northeast exposure catches abundant morning sun but is shaded from the hot, late afternoon sun and combined with the vineyard’s gravelly loam soils, creates the perfect spot to grow this varietal.
- Their estate vineyards are farmed naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and are certified organic.
Varietal Composition: 97% Zinfandel 3% Petit Sirah
Elaboration: Co-fermented the Zinfandel with a touch of Petite Sirah to add complexity and structure and then aged the wine in large oak casks. Indigenous yeast is used in the fermentation process. The wine then ages for 16 months in French oak before release.
Tasting Notes: Fresh flavors of ripe blackberries, black cherries and a hint of pepper on the long finish
PRESS
2018 – 90 Wine Advocate
2017 – 90 Wine Advocate
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.