Raised in one of Napa Valley’s coolest growing areas, the 2024 Riesling opens with aromas of dandelion flower, lime, starfruit, and white pepper. The palate is bright and focused, with uplifting flavors of fresh lemon, citrus zest, starfruit, and quince, supported by mineral notes that create a striking balance of acidity and minerality. The finish is long and precise, with lingering salinity and a subtle peppery lift.
Vintage
About the Vintage
A marginally warmer-than-average winter opened the 2024 growing season, allowing the buds of our white wine grapes to break during the first week of March. These slightly higher temperatures were maintained throughout spring and summer as well, with only a modest heat spell in early July deviating from the norm. Total rainfall was also slightly higher than average, and was fortunately spread evenly throughout winter and spring, allowing the soil to retain important water reserves for the warmer months. The beginning of October was occupied by the most notable heat spell of the year, which ended up helping the last red grapevines to ripen. Overall, it was a classic Napa Valley vintage, with no notable extremes.
Vineyard
About the Vineyard
Our Riesling is crafted with grapes sourced from our American Canyon vineyard, located in the southern tip of Napa Valley near San Francisco Bay. The cool climate and stronger winds delay ripening and ensure excellent acidity, yielding a crisp and lively wine. The clay soil retains water, giving us the ability to dry-farm them and yielding higher quality, concentrated fruit. These factors create an elegant, aromatic wine that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. All our vineyards are certified regenerative organic, ensuring that all of our grapes are of the highest quality, and that we are responsible stewards of our environment.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 12.5% by volume
Fermentation indigenous fermentation in stainless steel
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.
