Initial citrus and flint stone notes on the nose open to peach and ripe mango, framed by subtle undertones of vanilla blossom. Fresh, yet fruit-forward and lush on the palate, well-integrated acidity carries secondary flavors of sweet stone fruit and melon. Oak nuances are beautifully integrated and give this wine unparalleled depth on the mid-palate followed by great minerality, salinity, and length.
Vintage
About the Vintage
The string of near-perfect vintages continued for the fifth year in 2016, with an early budbreak and flowering followed by sunny days and relatively mild temperatures throughout the growing season. We were able to have almost all of our grapes safely in the cellar before the valley's first significant rainstorm arrived in October.
Vineyard
About the Vineyard
For this wine, we select only the best grapes, which are primarily from our oldest block of Chardonnay, the Old Wente clone planted in 1989 in Carneros.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.1% by volume
Fermentation Barrel fermented with indigenous yeast
Harvest date Sept. 2016
Sugar 23.5 ̊ Brix
Bottling date August 2017
Release date May 2019
Total acid 7.1 g/L
PH 3.25
Time in oak 10 months
Type of oak French oak; 40% new oak, 53% barrel, 47% foudres
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.
