Grgich Hills Estate makes wines from their five estate vineyards in Napa Valley. The vineyards are in American Canyon, Carneros, Yountville, Calistoga and Rutherford, where the winery and tasting room are located. Each is farmed sustainably and without any artificial fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

2015 Grgich Hills “Essence” Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 90 13.5% 750ml $55

Very well balanced with a fresh, medium+ body palate, moderate alcohol and forward fruit. Flavors include just-ripe stone fruit, passionfruit, flint and grapefruit.

2014 Grgich Hills Chardonnay Miljenko’s Selection Carneros, Napa Valley 90 14.1% 750ml $60

Concentrated flavors of pear, yellow apple, lemon and brioche with medium+ body and a fine, chalky mouthfeel. Long, juicy, mineral-laden finish. Drink now through 2021+

2013 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Miljenko’s Selection Rutherford, Napa Valley 92+ 14.3% 750ml $90

Great aromas of dark fruit, huckleberry, violets and raw beef. Medium+ body with fine, chalky texture in the mouth. Flavors include mocha, dark mineral, blackberry and charred wood. Ready to drink but will age for a good ten years.

2012 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine Yountville, Napa Valley 93+ 14.6% 750ml $185

Cocoa, black fruit, spice, earth and tobacco aromatics. On the palate, medium+ body and texture (fine chalk) with refreshing acidity. Flavors match the nose, adding dark chocolate. Excellent intensity and balance. Gets better and better with air. Drink now thru 2030.

2013 Grgich Hills Petit Verdot Miljenko’s Selection Yountville, Napa Valley 92 14.5% 750ml $65

Tight on the nose and palate with dark flowers, earth, wood, black fruit and dark chocolate. Full-bodied in the mouth and brimming with fine, persistent, chalky texture. Best from 2021 – 2030

2012 Grgich Hills Petite Sirah Miljenko’s Selection Calistoga, Napa Valley 92 15.4% 750ml $65

A little tight on the nose, but showing cocoa, coconut, jammy black fruit and spice. More intensity on the palate: cocoa, dark fruit and spice. Medium+ body with a lot of fine, chalky, drying texture. Best from 2020.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. Photo courtesy Grgich Hills Estate. All rights reserved.