The bounty of aromas present in this wine–blood orange, red cherries, and hints of violets–evoke an elegance rarely expressed in Zinfandel. This sense is heightened on the palate, as a surge of freshness from flavors of rosemary and pink peppercorn envelops the tongue upon the first sip. A long-lasting and aromatic finish rounds out the flavor profile, making for a wine perfectly suited to serve alongside classic fall cuisine like butternut squash, beef stew, and even Thanksgiving turkey.
Vintage
About The Vintage
The growing season was free from severe weather issues, and, despite the drought, our yield increased five percent from 2020. We had no significant rainfall past the month of February, but mild spring and summer conditions provided an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring. Notably cooler temperatures in August and September allowed us to pick each block at its ideal point of ripeness, leading to outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit. The grape harvest drew to a close at the end of October, with the last grapes arriving just before an atmospheric river brought much-needed rain to Northern California.
Vineyard
About the Vineyard
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s home in Calistoga overlooks our small vineyard 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 extensive roots to reach deep. All our vineyards are certified regenerative organic, ensuring that all of our grapes are of the highest quality, and that we are responsible stewards of our environment.
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.
