Grgich Hills Estate, in Rutherford, in the Napa Valley, was founded in 1977 by Mike Grgich. Grgich earned fame in 1976 when the Chardonnay he produced as winemaker at Chateau Montelena won first prize among white wines at the now famous Paris Wine Tasting. The estate has 366 acres of vineyards in American Canyon, Carneros, Yountville, Rutherford and Calistoga and is still best known for its Chardonnays, which consistently earn accolades from wine critics. Grgich also makes Fume Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and dessert wines.
I recently had the opportunity to try some of the wineries new releases.
2011 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel – Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 98% Zinfandel and 2% Petite Sirah. Dark fruits and anise on the nose. Black cherries, plums and strawberries on the palate. Light and restrained, but elegant. Well made wine but reflective of the cool 2011 vintage. Drink over the next 2-4 years. $35 at retail and the winery. My rating: 89 points.
2010 Grgich Hills Estate Merlot – Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. Red fruits, spice cake and licorice on the nose. Rich and extracted. Strawberries, currants, cassis and graphite on the palate. Super silky tannins on a long plush finish. Really delicious wine. One of the better Napa Merlots I’ve had this year. Bravo! Drink over the next 5-7 years. $42 at retail and the winery. My rating: 92 points.
Grgich Hills is one of Napa’s iconic wineries. Consider stopping by when you next visit Napa Valley.
These reviews were based on samples provided by the winery.
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