Grgich Hills Estate

One of the really classic Napa Valley producers, that I've only tasted sporadically, and even if it's considered legendary, it's still affordable. "Mike" Grgich's chardonnay beat the French in the famous 1976 Paris tasting. In 1977 Mike partnered with Austin Hills to make Grgich Hills in 1977

Grgich is located in Napa Valley, and farms 366 acres naturally, without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

2009 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay:
BU 9358901 (349,-) Pale lemon yellow Rich nose of nuts, some popcorn apples and some minerals behind. Fresh acidity, creamy texture, elegant and well balanced, lively finish. 40% new oak which helps to tone down the sometimes over oaked chardonnays of California. 89

2007 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Merlot:
BU9359101 (349,-) Deep ruby, rich and a bit heavier nose of dark berries and some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mellow, elegant, fruitdriven and balanced. Long. 88

2007 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:
BU9359001 (439,-) Deep ruby. Rich but less intense nose, or rather less up front than the Merlot. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, needs air to open. Clean, elegant, rounded, long. 89