95 points - Editor’s Choice - Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide - May 2019
93 points - EXCEPTIONAL - World Wine Championships - Oct. 10, 2018
92 points - Wine Review Online (Michael Apstein) - August 28, 2018
DOUBLE GOLD - 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Vintage: The growing season started out with warm temperatures in the late winter and early spring, triggering early bud break. Colder temperatures in May slowed grape development, which coupled with the fourth year of drought, resulted in fewer grapes in 2015. The harvest was one of our earliest in memory with berries smaller than usual but packed with flavor and color.
Vineyard: This Chardonnay thrives American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. Farmed all naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
The Wine: This estate Napa Valley Chardonnay is the quintessential representation of Miljenko "Mike" Grgich in a glass. Exudes a lively bouquet of freshly squeezed citrus and delicate floral notes. The palate reveals rich flavors of Fuji apples, a hint of ripe pear and stone fruit, progressing seamlessly to a long, elegant finish. The Chardonnay's beautifully balanced acidity makes this a perfect wine for aging in your cellar or is delicious now for your next dinner party. Enjoy with herb-crusted pork ribs, grilled chicken Caesar salad or poached salmon.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Aug. 25 - Sept. 12, 2015
Sugar: 22.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 6.5 g/L
pH: 3.36
Aging: Fermented and aged 10 months
Type of oak: French oak; 75% neutral, 25% new
Bottling date: August 2016
Release date: July 2018
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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