Our Petit Verdot opens with aromas of blackberry, cassis, black cherry and blueberry followed by undertones of sage and sandalwood. The wine has flavors of dark berry fruit, with a hint of dark chocolate and lavender, all supported by soft textured tannins leading to a very long silky finish.
Vintage
About The Vintage
The growing season was free from severe weather issues, and, despite the drought, our yield increased five percent from 2020. We had no significant rainfall past the month of February, but mild spring and summer conditions provided an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring. Notably cooler temperatures in August and September allowed us to pick each block at its ideal point of ripeness, leading to outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit. The grape harvest drew to a close at the end of October, with the last grapes arriving just before an atmospheric river brought much-needed rain to Northern California.
Vineyard
About The Vineyard
The small block of Petit Verdot in our Yountville vineyard is enhanced by the few additional rows of this varietal in our Rutherford vineyard, just a few miles away. Both vineyards enjoy consistent sunshine and a well-drained mixture of gravel, clay and loam that produce complex, ripe flavors. All our vineyards are certified regenerative organic, ensuring that all our grapes are of the highest quality and that we are responsible stewards of our environment.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.3% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast
Harvest date October 2021
Sugar 23.8 ̊ Brix
Bottling date August 2023
Release date April 2025
Total acid 5.6 g/L
PH 3.83
Time in oak 20 months
Type of oak 100% French oak; 60% new barrels
Blend 78% Petit Verdot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
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.
