On the nose, eucalyptus and sage unfold beneath layers of dried plum and black cherry. Sweet violet, fennel, and spearmint add freshness and lift, while nuances of sweet chocolate and caramel bring warmth and depth.
On the palate, black cherry leads with layers of deep red strawberry and subtle dried fruit. Silky tannins are beautifully integrated and gracefully resolving, giving the wine a seamless texture. The warmth of the vintage is beautifully expressed in its supple fruit and polished structure, while vibrant freshness carries the wine through a long, delicate finish. Showing the poise and grace of a warm vintage at maturity.
Vintage
About the Vintage
We had high rain fall at the beginning of the season, a mild winter, and then we finally transitioned into a beautiful spring. There was an early bud break and flowering, followed by sunny days and high temperatures through June and August.
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 14.8% by volume
Fermentation indigenous yeast
Harvest Date October 2017
Sugar 24.5 ̊ Brix
Bottling Date August 2019
Release Date December 2019
Total Acid 6.3 g/L
PH 3.67
Time in oak 20 months
Type of oak French oak: 60-gallon barrels; 25% new, 75% 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.
