On the nose, strawberry and rhubarb unfold with notes of dried violet, sage, and saddle leather. Preserved sour cherry lends depth, while subtle nuances of sandalwood and aged black tea reveal the wine’s graceful evolution.
On the palate, bright acidity brings lift and energy to the delicate red fruit, complemented by layers of red clay, sage, and rosemary. Aged black tea contributes a savory, saline nuance, while sandalwood adds warmth and depth. Firm, refined tannins retain a graceful grip, beginning to soften with age. The finish is beautifully bright and mineral, carrying remarkable freshness and length.
Vintage
About the Vintage
Thanks to the cool weather and unexpected rains, 2011 was a demanding but, in the end, rewarding vintage for us. The wet winter and spring delayed the start of bloom and then cool temperatures slowed grape development, pushing the start of harvest back by two weeks. More reminiscent of France than Napa Valley, this vintage fashioned elegant wines with great aromatics, and the lower level of sugars from the cool growing season translated into lower alcohol.
Vineyard
About the Vineyard
Our Merlot grows both in our cooler American Canyon and Carneros vineyards and in our warmer Yountville vineyard. We blend Merlot from all three vineyards to create a balanced, complex wine that combines the richness and depth from the warmer climates and the perfume and bright fruitiness from the cooler climates. We farm all our certified organic vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.5% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast
Harvest Date October 2011
Sugar 23.8 ̊ Brix
Bottling Date March 2013
Release Date May 2015
Total Acid 5.5 g/L
PH 3.61
Time in oak 18 months
Type of oak French oak: 60-gallon barrels; 37% new, 63% neutral
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.
