On the nose, ripe plum and black currant unfold with a subtle freshness of mint and bay leaf. Layers of baker’s chocolate, anise, and allspice are intertwined with a sweet cigar nuance, while dried violet adds a delicate floral lift. The aromatics are deep and generous, yet retain an inviting freshness.
On the palate, cassis and blackberry fill the palate with remarkable depth, layered with graphite, dark espresso, marjoram, and thyme. Notes of dried herbs and violet emerge beneath the concentrated fruit, adding dimension and nuance. Firm, finely grained tannins provide a broad, persistent structure, carrying the wine through a long and seamless finish. Vibrant acidity brings lift and definition to the wine’s depth and concentration, creating a compelling balance of richness, freshness, and structure. Built for graceful development over many years.
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
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 14.6% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast
Harvest Date September 2016
Sugar 24.7 ̊ Brix
Bottling Date August 2018
Release Date November 2019
Total Acid 6.2 g/L
PH 3.55
Time in oak 21 months
Type of oak French oak: 60-gallon barrels; 25% new, 75% neutral
Blend 92% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
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.
