GRGICH HILLS
Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2019
100% Sauvignon Blanc
RSD 5,460
AWARDS
93 Points - Robert Parker (for 2019 Vintage)
VINEYARD
We grow Sauvignon Blanc grapes in our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Francisco Bay. The clay soils retain water, allowing us to dry farm, and the coolness slows ripening and retains acidity. The grapes develop a crisp liveliness that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. About 80% of our Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. We farm our vineyards naturally using the principles of regenerative agriculture, and they are certified organic.
WINEMAKING
In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, making the inaugural release of “Fumé Blanc.” This elegant, dry style of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc was named “Fumé Blanc” by Robert Mondavi, playing on the French word meaning smoke. At Grgich Hills Estate, Mike continued to make this elevated style of Sauvignon Blanc, paying homage to his former employer and friend. Relying on naturally-occurring yeasts, we fermented a portion of the grapes in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in oak barrels. We then aged the wine for six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. 7 months on lees in neutral barrels.
TASTING NOTES
This 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Fumé Blanc) will tantalize your senses with notes of green pepper, snap pea, lime and star fruit. On the front palate, enjoy the fresh fruit flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple supported by an undertone of sea salt. This wine's chiseled texture, linear acidity, and long finish make it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity: 6.70 g/l
pH: 3.28
Sugar: 22.5 Brix
GRGICH HILLS
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2020
100% Chardonnay
RSD 7,980
AWARDS
91 Points - Decanter WWA (for 2019 Vintage)
VINEYARD
Our Chardonnay thrives in our 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 bright, natural acidity. We farm all of our certified organic vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture.
WINEMAKING
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich has been called “The King of Chardonnay” since the winery began in 1977, and you can taste why in this classically-styled wine. We did not allow the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural acidity. Fermented and aged 10 months in 80% barrels and 20% foudres. French oak; 40% new barrels 60% neutral barrels.
TASTING NOTES
This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.1%
Acidity: 6.80 g/l
pH: 3.39
Sugar: 23.1 Brix
GRGICH HILLS
Napa Valley Merlot 2018
100% Merlot
RSD 7,740
AWARDS
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast (for 2018 Vintage)
VINEYARD
Our Merlot grows both in our cooler American Canyon and Carneros vineyards and in our warmer Yountville vineyard. We blended Merlot from all three vineyards to create a balanced, complex wine that combines the richness and depth from the warmer climates and perfume and bright fruitiness from the cooler climates. Committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, we farm our five estate vineyards without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
WINEMAKING
20 months in French oak 60-gallon barrels; 37% new; 63% neutral. Indigenous yeast, 2 weeks skin contact in stainless steel.
TASTING NOTES
This exquisite Merlot opens with aromas of floral rose hip, tangy blood orange and rhubarb with a hint of blackberry, red pepper, and bay leaf. On the palate, a lovely soft entry with plenty of juicy, ripe red fruit is supported by complex, savory undertones. The balanced acid structure and young chalky tannins bring a pleasant freshness, leading to a focused, balanced finish.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.4%
Acidity: 5.50 g/l
pH: 3.62
Sugar: 24.4 Brix
GRGICH HILLS
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Merlot, 6.5% P.Verdot, 7.0% Cab.Franc
RSD 13,020
AWARDS
94 Points - Decanter WWA (for 2018 Vintage)
VINEYARD
Our Yountville vineyard forms the heart of our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from our Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards rounding out the blend. We farm our vineyards naturally using the principles of regenerative agriculture, and they are certified organic. The result is a full-bodied, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with pure flavors and a pronounced sense of place.
WINEMAKING
20 months in 100% French oak. Indigenous yeast, 4 weeks of skin contact.
TASTING NOTES
This 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley epitomizes the purity of structure and place. Powerful on the nose, this full-bodied wine has a dense core of forest strawberries and sweet cranberries with the warm essence of vanilla bean and subtle nuances of sandalwood. Soft tannins create a round mouthfeel with dense notes of blackberries underscored with a hint of rosemary and cloves. The midpalate is dense with balanced acidity that supports a satisfying, velvety aftertaste.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.2%
Acidity: 5.50 g/l
pH: 3.69
Sugar: 23.6 Brix