Winemaker Notes
This classic Zinfandel exhibits lush, fruit-forward aromas of cherry, raspberry and candied orange with savory undertones of sandalwood and sweet licorice. On the palate, notes of juicy blood orange, plum, and ripe fig lead into vivacious tannins on the mid-palate with vibrant acidity. This Zinfandel’s balanced and elegant structure promises a long, graceful aging potential.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Bold and berrylike, this fullbodied but not very tannic wine is saturated with jammy blackberries and raspberries that coat the palate and give a luscious ripeness that won’t quit. Hints of black pepper and grilled herbs add interesting complexity as you keep sipping.
Editors' Choice -
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel is lively and slightly elevated on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine excels with aromas and flavors of bright berries, ripe citrus notes, and earthiness. Serve it with baked short ribs. (Tasted: January 28, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Zinfandel charges out of the gate with notes of stewed plums, Morello cherries and raspberry pie plus suggestions of Indian spices, wild thyme and hoisin. The medium-bodied palate is laden with red and black berry layers, supported by chewy tannins and invigorating freshness, finishing long and peppery.
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.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.