Winemaker Notes
Thanks to our organic and Biodynamic®farming, the vines remained healthy throughoutthe temperature swings, providing us with fullyripe, flavorful grapes.
Professional Ratings
-
Connoisseurs' Guide
Young and nervy, and entirely within the familial approach, this Merlot from Grgich Hills favors black cherry fruit with a distinct overlay of green herbs. Its firm construction comes with enough flesh and suppleness to be enjoyable now and to promise a more open stance with two to five years of cellaring. It provides clear contrast to the more rounded, succulent style, and it acts more like Cabernet than most Merlot.
As a family-owned and operated winery, Grgich Hills Estate is committed to crafting wines of the highest standard and consistency. Their dedication to these principles has led to the achievement of Regenerative Organic Certification for all five of their estate vineyards in December 2022. This system prioritizes the long-term health and longevity of their vines, revitalizes the land, and allows for the creation of wines that are unmatched in their quality and expression of terroir.
It is with a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and excellence that Miljenko “Mike” Grgich and partner Austin Hills founded Grgich Hills Estate in 1977, after Mike’s Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the famed 1976 Paris Tasting. These values propel Grgich Hills Estate forward as they continue to make exquisite wines, while pioneering a sustainable future for Napa Valley.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.