This Chardonnay has a lively nose of fresh peach, pear, citrus and honeycomb. Complex flavors of paprika and vanilla are followed by fresh lemon, green apple, honey, stone fruit and a hint of lavender. Rich and firm texture, juicy acidity and great minerality combine to create a long, satisfying finish. This Chardonnay is grown in the American Canyon and Carneros vineyards at the southern end of Napa, where San Pablo Bay meets San Francisco Bay. Cool ocean breezes and early morning fogs allow the grapes to slowly mature and develop complex flavors while maintaining lively natural acidity. All Grgich Hills vineyards are naturally grown and follow regenerative agricultural principles. Since founding the winery in 1977, Mienko “Mike” Grgich has been known as the “King of Chardonnay” and the winemaker who established the classic California Chardonnay style. Using a Chardonnay brewing method that does not involve MLF fermentation, they produce wines with a lively and beautiful acidity. In 1976, following the results of the famous Paris tasting, Mienko "Mike" Grgich became known to the world. A blind tasting of top French wines and Californian wines was held, and the 1973 Montelena Chardonnay from California was selected as the top white wine. Mike Grgich was the man who made this wine, which led to Californian wine being recognized worldwide.
The following year, Mike partnered with Austin Hills of Hills Brothers Coffee to establish Grgich Hills Cellars in Napa Valley. It was on Independence Day in 1977. Mr. Hills was originally a management specialist and owned several vineyards in the prime location of Rutherford in Napa Valley, so he was able to not only fund the winery but also take detailed control of the business side of things. Meanwhile, Mike was a true winemaker and was dedicated to making the highest quality wines. The rich and complex Chardonnays that the two of them created in perfect harmony went on to win awards around the world and captured the hearts of wine lovers. Grgich Hills wines are known for their stable quality and long-term aging potential, and have been enjoyed at dinner parties by Presidents Reagan and Clinton of the United States and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. However, what makes the winery truly happy is when Grgich Hills wines are served on the dinner table of an ordinary family, making special occasions and meals even more memorable.
The winery currently produces six wines. Each one is carefully brewed with sensitivity while taking advantage of its individuality, but it is the Chardonnay that is made with special care. It has an exquisite balance of elegant aroma and delicate taste. In addition, the winery produces Fumé Blanc, which is a sibling of the Chardonnay, rich and spicy Zinfandel, deep and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, somewhat sexy Merlot, and the elegant and sweet dessert wine "Violetta" named after Mike's beloved daughter. Mike, whose trademark is his blue beret, is still in good health at over 90 years old. In 2008, he was inducted into the "Vintners Hall of Fame", which honors people who have contributed to the California wine industry. Grgich Hills is currently helmed by Mike's beloved daughter Violet and nephew Ivo Jeramaz. In order to never rest on their laurels, the two of them work hard every year to improve the quality of their wines.
Sustainable grape production is of utmost importance to Grgich Hills. We believe that environmentally friendly farming practices are the only realistic long-term way to maintain healthy and fertile vineyards, which in turn results in higher quality grapes. Grgich Hills practices organic farming in its five vineyards, brewing wine using only natural yeasts without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Mike's favorite phrase, "Homemade wine, delivered directly from the field to your glass!" is a surefire way of putting this into practice, and we strive to create delicate and elegant wines that are easy to pair with food. Since 2003, all Grgich Hills wines have been labeled "Estate Grown."
This certifies that the wine was made from 100% grapes from our own vineyards. In 2006, the winery was fully converted to solar power. To commemorate this, the winery name was changed to Grgich Hills Estate in 2007.