We aged the wine in large puncheons so that the oak supports, yet reveals, the concentrated fruit created by our old vines.
Winery Exclusive
Our Legacy wines are single vineyard and old vine varietals of pinnacle quality, meticulously crafted in the pursuit of excellence.
This full-bodied, aromatic Zinfandel is bursting with red and blackberries and a hint of black pepper on the long finish. The wine’s concentrated flavors and smooth tannins make it the perfect partner for grilled meats, such as leg of lamb or hanger steak, and rich cheeses like aged Gouda.
We aged the wine in large puncheons so that the oak supports, yet reveals, the concentrated fruit created by our old vines. This full-bodied, aromatic Zinfandel is bursting with red and blackberries and a hint of black pepper on the long finish. The wine’s concentrated flavors and smooth tannins make it the perfect partner for grilled meats, such as leg of lamb or hanger steak, and rich cheeses like aged Gouda.
Vintage
About The Vintage
Thanks to 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, the cool growing season fashioned elegant wines with great aromatics.
Vineyard
About The Vineyard
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s home over-looks this 34-acre vineyard in Calistoga where the few rows of ancient Zinfandel vines that produce this wine were planted more than 100 years ago on St. George rootstock. Its northeast exposure catches plenty of morning light but is shaded from the hot late afternoon sun while the vineyard’s gravelly loam soil allows the roots to reach deep. We farm all of our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
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.
