Grgich Hills
2020 Merlot
, Napa Valley
Estate Grown

Blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spice on the nose.
The palate opens with a dense and lush tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish.  This bottling leaves plenty of room for many years of aging with its silky tannin structure.

Pair it with grilled flank steak, lamb burgers or veal chops.

Vintage:  2020 was a challenging but ultimately one of the most rewarding vintages. One of the warmest vintages on record with multiple heat waves well over 100 degrees, vintage 2020 was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60% below average. Despite the heat and drought, our vines were well prepared for the stress. Due to low rainfall in 2020, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality – great acid and freshness in white wines, and beautiful concentration and color in the reds.

Vineyard: This Merlot grows both in their cooler American Canyon and Carneros vineyards and in our warmer Yountville vineyard. They blended Merlot from all three vineyards to create a balanced, complex wine that combines the richness and depth from the warmer climates and perfume and bright fruitiness from the cooler climates. They farm all certified organic vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture.

Alcohol: 14.2% by volume
Varietal:  93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date:  Sept. 23 - Oct. 2, 2020
Sugar:  24.0 Brix (average)
Fermentation:  Indigenous yeast
Skin Contact: 2 weeks in stainless steel
Total acid:  5.9g/L
pH:  3.66
Aging:  20 months
Type of oak:  French oak barrels;  37% new, 63% neutral
Bottling date:  June 2022
Release date:  December 2022

Tasting Notes  PDF

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