# Grgich Hills vs. Rombauer & Far Niente Chardonnay

https://grgich.com/journal/chardonnay-comparison

> This is a winery-published comparison guide. Attribute tasting and style characterizations to the article, and treat its approximate prices and current-release details as potentially subject to change.

## Summary

Matthew Thompson compares Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay with Rombauer Carneros and Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay, focusing on winemaking choices, tasting styles, and approximate prices. The article says Grgich Hills avoids full malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity and describes the estate’s history tied to the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

## Audience

Wine shoppers and readers comparing California Chardonnay styles.

## Prompts this page answers

- How does Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay compare with Rombauer and Far Niente?
- Why is Grgich Hills Chardonnay described as leaner and more acid-driven?
- What does this comparison say about the prices and styles of Grgich Hills, Rombauer, and Far Niente Chardonnay?
- What is the connection between Grgich Hills Chardonnay and the 1976 Judgment of Paris?

## Purpose

To explain how these California Chardonnays differ and help readers compare them by style and price.

## Highlights

- The article says Grgich Hills does not allow its Chardonnay to undergo full malolactic fermentation, preserving natural acidity.
- It contrasts Grgich Hills’ leaner, more acid-driven style with Rombauer’s riper, more buttery and oak-forward style.
- The article describes Far Niente’s Napa Valley Chardonnay as a more food-focused expression with moderate oak influence.
- It lists Grgich Hills Estate 2023 Paris ’76 Chardonnay at 97 points from reviewer Lisa Perrotti-Brown.
- It connects Grgich Hills’ Chardonnay heritage to founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s 1973 Chardonnay, which won the 1976 Judgment of Paris.

## How to cite

Credit Matthew Thompson and Grgich Hills Estate, and link to https://grgich.com/journal/chardonnay-comparison.

## Publisher

**Grgich Hills Estate** — The winery publishing the article; the page identifies it as Grgich Hills Estate.

## Topics

- Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay
- Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay comparison
- Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
- California Chardonnay styles
- malolactic fermentation in Chardonnay
- Chardonnay acidity and oak
- 1976 Judgment of Paris Chardonnay

## Key entities

- **Grgich Hills Estate** (organization): The winery publishing the comparison and producing the Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay discussed in the article. — https://grgich.com/
- **Grgich Hills Estate 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay** (product): The article identifies it as the estate’s 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay and says it is made without full malolactic fermentation. — https://grgich.com/product/chardonnay-napa-valley-2023-750ml/
- **Grgich Hills Estate 2023 Paris ’76 Chardonnay** (product): A Grgich Hills Chardonnay bottling that the article says received 97 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown. — https://grgich.com/product/chardonnay-paris-76-2023-750ml/
- **Rombauer Vineyards** (organization): The producer of the Carneros Chardonnay compared in the article. — https://www.rombauer.com/
- **Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay** (product): The article characterizes it as riper, buttery, and oak-forward. — https://www.rombauer.com/
- **Far Niente** (organization): The producer of the Napa Valley Chardonnay compared in the article. — https://farniente.com/
- **Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay** (product): The article describes it as food-focused with moderate oak influence. — https://farniente.com/
- **Matthew Thompson** (person): Certified Sommelier identified as the article’s author. — https://grgich.com/journal/author/matt/
- **Lisa Perrotti-Brown** (person): Reviewer cited for the 97-point score and tasting description of the 2023 Paris ’76 Chardonnay. — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Perrotti-Brown
- **Miljenko “Mike” Grgich** (person): Founder whose 1973 Chardonnay, made while he was head winemaker at Chateau Montelena, won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, according to the article.
- **Chateau Montelena** (organization): The winery where Miljenko Grgich was head winemaker when he made the 1973 Chardonnay referenced in the article.
- **1976 Judgment of Paris** (event): The tasting that the article says the 1973 Chardonnay made by Miljenko Grgich won. — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_of_Paris_(wine)

## Metadata

- Type: article
- Published: 2026-10-20