Grgich Hills Estate, in Rutherford, in the Napa Valley, was founded in 1977 by Mike Grgich and Austin Hills. 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. Mike Grgich was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame in 2008.
I recently had the good fortune to try a few of their new releases.
2015 Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc – Light straw in color. 13.5% ABV. Intriguing nose of tropical fruits, matchstick and wet stones. Medium body with racy acidity. Bright, fresh and crisp. Grapefruit, lemongrass and minerals on the palate. The finish is long spicy. Delicious Fumé Blanc. Drink over the next several years. $31 at the winery and retail. My rating: 91 points.
2013 Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel – Crimson in color. 15% ABV. Co fermented with a touch of Petite Sirah. Powerful nose of black fruits and licorice with a strong floral component. Full bodied with loads of acidity. Blackberry, raspberry liqueur, chocolate and pepper on the palate. The finish is long with a healthy dose of tannins. Well made Zinfandel. Drink over the next 2-4 years. $36 at the winery and retail. 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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