Miljenko “Mike” Grgich has been called “The King of Chardonnay” since the winery began in 1977, and you can taste why in this classically styled wine.
Our Napa Valley wines are our most popular. These complex blends represent the best from our five estate vineyards.
Our unique Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural fresh acidity. This exceptional 2022 vintage opens with aromas of sweet lime, fresh lemon, green mango, and white peach. The taste is of fresh citrus, star fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla supported by vibrant, juicy acidity and abundant minerality. Enjoy its long, flavorful, and delicious finish.
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich has been called “The King of Chardonnay” since the winery began in1977, and you can taste why in this classically styled wine. Our unique Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural fresh acidity. This exceptional 2020 vintage opens with aromas of sweet lime, fresh lemon, green mango, and white peach. The taste is of fresh citrus, star fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla supported by vibrant, juicy acidity and abundant minerality. Enjoy its long, flavorful, and delicious finish.
Vintage
About The Vintage
The 2022 growing season was yet another in a string of drought years. Though our yearly rainfall was only slightly lower than average, the bulk of that rain came in October and December of 2021, while the spring of 2022 was uncharacteristically dry and gave way to a seasonably dry summer. This was followed by an intense heat wave during the first week of September, with temperatures soaring as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a dramatic increase in our grape’s sugar levels. We were patient with our harvest, however, and allowed cooler temperatures and normal sugar levels to return before picking.
Vineyard
About The Vineyard
Our Chardonnay grapes thrive in our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a bright, natural acidity. 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 14.1% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast; 2-3 weeks in barrel
Harvest date Aug. 19 - Sept. 15, 2022
Sugar 23.5 ̊ Brix
Bottling date June 13, 2023
Release date February 2024
Total acid 6.5 g/L
PH 3.42
Time in oak Fermented and aged 10 months in 80% barrels and 20% foudres
Type of oak French oak; 40% new barrels, 60% neutral barrels
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.
