This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates the distinctive finesse and bright flavors of the famed “Rutherford Dust.”
Library Wine
Our winery-exclusive Miljenko’s Selection showcases the unique varietal characteristics from single vineyard blocks.
To capture the fruit’s wonderful aromas and structure, we fermented the grapes with indigenous yeast at moderate temperatures that allows the wine to gain flavors and color from extended skin contact. After blending, the wine spent another year and half in barrel to completely harmonize the flavors before bottling. The wine’s elegant, voluptuous ripe black fruits and cocoa flavors wrapped in smooth tannins are perfect for savory dishes such as braised beef, grilled rack of lamb or mushroom pizza.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates the distinctive finesse and bright flavors of the famed “Rutherford Dust.” To capture the fruit’s wonderful aromas and structure, we fermented the grapes with indigenous yeast at moderate temperatures that allows the wine to gain flavors and color from extended skin contact. After blending, the wine spent another year and half in barrel to completely harmonize the flavors before bottling. The wine’s elegant, voluptuous ripe black fruits and cocoa flavors wrapped in smooth tannins are perfect for savory dishes such as braised beef, grilled rack of lamb or mushroom pizza.
Vintage
About The Vintage
For the third year in a row, Napa Valley experienced an exceptional vintage, aided by near drought conditions. Bud break came slight early and the modest temperatures through the growing season helped preserve moisture. July's relatively low temperatures coupled with high relatively humidity slowed down sugar accumulation to achieve perfect ripeness with lower alcohol. Harvest started and ended about two weeks earlier than normal, producing superb quality.
Vineyard
About The Vineyard
These grapes were grown at Austin’s Vineyard, home to our winery in the heart of the Rutherford viticultural area, one of the world’s preeminent sites for Cabernet Sauvignon. Its loamy soils and sunny, warm days create an elegant wine with red fruit flavors and smooth tannins. We farm our vineyards naturally and they are certified organic.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.2% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast
Harvest date Sept. 2 - Oct. 10, 2014
Sugar 24.5 ̊ Brix
Bottling date June 8, 2016
Release date October 2017
Total acid: 5.4 g/L PH: 3.67 Time in oak: 18 months Type of oak: 100% French oak 60% new barrels Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
