This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices.
Our Napa Valley wines are our most popular. These complex blends represent the best from our five estate vineyards.
On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish.
This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish.
Vintage
About The Vintage
2020 was a challenging but ultimately one of the most rewarding vintages for us. One of the hottest vintages on record with multiple heatwaves well over 100 degrees, vintage 2020 was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60%below average. Despite the heat and drought, our vines were well prepared for the stress. Due to low rainfall in 2020, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality – great acid and freshness in white wines, and beautiful concentration and color in the reds.
Vineyard
About The Vineyard
Our Merlot grows both in our coolerAmerican Canyon and Carneros vineyards and in our warmer Yountville vineyard. We blendedMerlot from all three vineyards to create a balanced, complex wine that combines the richness and depth from the warmer climates and perfume and bright fruitiness from the cooler climates. We farm all of our certified organic vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.2% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast
Harvest date Sept. 23 - Oct. 2, 2020
Sugar 24.0 ̊ Brix
Bottling date June 2022
Release date December 2022
Total acid 5.9 g/L
PH 3.66
Time in oak 20 months
Type of oak French oak; 60-gallon barrels; 37% new, 63% neutral
Upon founding Grgich Hills, it was of utmost importance that both Mike Grgich and Austin Hills were equally represented on the winery’s label. Mike chose to represent his Croatian heritage by including the Croatian Coat of Arms, a red and white checkered shield, which also appears on Croatia’s national flag. The winery’s Croatian roots are celebrated with an annual festival, Croatian wines and menu items, and ties to Grgich Hill’s sister winery, Grgic Vina, located on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
Hills Family Crest
Upon founding Grgich Hills, it was of utmost importance that both Mike Grgich and Austin Hills were equally represented on the winery’s label. Austin Hills chose to represent the Hills family with an element of the family crest, a rearing horse holding a baton. For generations, the Hills family were known in San Francisco for their thriving coffee business, Hills Brothers Coffee Co., and the Hills horse appearing on the winery’s label marked a new venture in the Hills legacy.
