Grgich Hills
2019 Zinfandel
, Napa Valley
Estate Grown

90 Points - JamesSuckling.com

This elegant, fruity Zinfandel brims with inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange.  Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture throughout the mid-palate, balanced with perfectly integrated acidity.  Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness that will allow it to age beautifully for many years to come.

Pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes, such as sausage pizza, grilled shish-kabobs or roasted rack of lamb.

Vintage: Napa Valley experienced an aboveaverage rainfall in the early months of 2019 with over 50 inches of rain in Rutherford. The residual moisture and colder than average soils led to a delayed start in budbreak. Spring and summer enjoyed moderate temperatures with no significant heat spikes until August. The harvest began in early September and finished the first week of November.

Vineyard: Their 34-acre vineyard above Calistoga is the warmest of the five vineyards and the sole source of our Zinfandel. Its northeast exposure catches abundant morning sun but is shaded from the hot, late afternoon sun and combined with the vineyard’s gravelly loam soils, creates the perfect spot to grow this varietal. They farm all of their vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.

Winemaker's Notes:
Alcohol: 14.7%
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Harvest date: October 7-15, 2019
Sugar: 24.5% degrees Brix at Harvest
Bottling date: April 2021
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2022
Total acid: 5.3 g/L
pH: 3.97
Time in oak: 18 months
Type of oak: French oak
Blend: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah

Tasting Notes  PDF

More About Grgich Hills