Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Zinfandel boasts prominent notes of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. On the palate a juicy onset, brimming with abundant red fruit. Dense, chalky tannins and lively acidity persist through the midpalate. Red berry flavors dominate, accompanied by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of the red fruit, enhanced by a citrus note, linger gracefully in the aftertaste.
Blend: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of blackberries, elderberries and fresh herbs. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and fresh, with some savory complexity. From organically grown grapes.
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.