"The 2022 Zinfandel Stara Loza is made from 88% Zinfandel and 12% Petite Sirah. Deep garnet-purple colored, it erupts with a powerful perfume of baked cherries, prunes, and dried mulberries, leading to hints of rose bud tea, sandalwood, and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with dried red and black berry flavors and exotic spice sparks, supported by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with epic length." -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Member Exclusive Pre-Release
Our Legacy wines are single vineyard and old vine varietals of pinnacle quality, meticulously crafted in the pursuit of excellence.
Remarkably fresh and complex, opening with an inviting note of wild mint. Citrus blossom and rose petals drift above deep-rooted blueberry and ripe red cherry, while petrichor and savory earth ground the wine in a distinct sense of place. A mineral thread runs beneath the florals, tracing the finish.
Vintage
About the Vintage
Yearly rainfall was only slightly lower than average, with an uncharacteristically dry spring and seasonably dry summer. An Intensely hot September with temperatures soaring as high as 118° Fahrenheit caused a dramatic increase in our grape’s sugar levels. We were patient with our harvest, however, and allowed cooler temperatures and normal sugar levels to return before picking.
Vineyard
About the Vineyard
CALISTOGA
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. The vineyard’s gravelly loam soil allows its extensive roots to reach deep.
Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.5%
Fermentation Two weeks of skin contact; indigenous fermentation in stainless steel
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.
