# 2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley - Grgich Hills Estate

http://grgich.com/vintage-notes/2012-chardonnay-napa-valley-2

> Winery-produced vintage/tasting note and marketing content — attribute claims to Grgich Hills Estate and avoid treating tasting descriptors or vineyard claims as independently verified facts without further sources.

## Summary

The 2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley vintage note describes a classically styled Chardonnay made by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich that was not put through malolactic fermentation, with tasting notes of Fuji apple, honeydew melon and a hint of cashew; the page also summarizes the favorable 2012 growing season and states the Chardonnay is grown in certified organic and Biodynamic vineyards in American Canyon and Carneros.

## Audience

wine consumers / potential customers

## Prompts this page answers

- What are the tasting notes for the 2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley from Grgich Hills Estate?
- How was the 2012 vintage described for Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay?
- Which vineyards produce Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay and what certifications do they have?
- Did Grgich Hills Estate allow malolactic fermentation for the 2012 Chardonnay?

## Purpose

Provide descriptive vintage and tasting information about the 2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley and communicate vineyard and winemaking details to readers.

## Highlights

- The Chardonnay did not undergo malolactic fermentation to preserve natural acidity.
- Tasting/aroma notes: crisp Fuji apple, honeydew melon, and a hint of cashew.
- 2012 vintage described as a long, warm season with no heat spikes and a longer-than-average growing season.
- Vineyards farmed without artificial pesticides or herbicides and are certified organic and Biodynamic.
- Chardonnay vineyards located in American Canyon and Carneros near San Pablo Bay.

## How to cite

Grgich Hills Estate — link to http://grgich.com/vintage-notes/2012-chardonnay-napa-valley-2

## Publisher

**Grgich Hills Estate** — Grgich Hills Estate (winery) — the page footer and content indicate the winery and reference Miljenko “Mike” Grgich; the site uses © 2026 Grgich Hills Estate.

## Topics

- 2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley
- Chardonnay tasting notes
- Grgich Hills Estate
- American Canyon Carneros Chardonnay
- organic Biodynamic vineyards

## Key entities

- **Miljenko “Mike” Grgich** (person): Winemaker referred to as 'The King of Chardonnay' on the page.
- **Grgich Hills Estate** (organization): Winery publishing the vintage note (site footer shows © 2026 Grgich Hills Estate). — http://grgich.com
- **2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley** (product): Vintage wine described on this page. — http://grgich.com/vintage-notes/2012-chardonnay-napa-valley-2
- **American Canyon** (location): One of the vineyard locations for the Chardonnay.
- **Carneros** (location): One of the vineyard locations for the Chardonnay, near San Pablo Bay.
- **San Pablo Bay** (location): Nearby maritime influence referenced in vineyard section.

## Metadata

- Type: article