Grgich Hills
2021 Chardonnay
, Napa Valley
Estate Grown

92 Points - JamesSuckling.com
92 Points - The Wine Independent

Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses.  The flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender.  The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long satisfying finish.
Very well-made Chardonnay.  You'll want to drink some now, and hold more for later.

Delicious now, or perfect for aging in your cellar.  Enjoy with herb-crusted pork ribs, grilled chicken Caesar salad, poached salmon and more.

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.

Vintage:  The growing season was free from severe weather issues, and, despite the drought, our yield increased five percent. There was no significant rainfall in the month of February, but mild spring and summer conditions provided an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring.  Notably cooler temperatures in August and September allowed to pick each block at its ideal point of ripeness, leading to outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit.  The grape harvest drew to a close at the end of October, with the last grapes arriving just before an atmospheric river brought much-needed rain to Northern California

Alcohol:  13.5%
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date:  Aug. 27 - Sept. 22, 2021
Sugar:  22.1 Brix (average)
Fermentation:  indigenous yeast
Total acid:  6.4 g/L
pH:  3.34
Aging:  Fermented and aged 10 months
Type of oak:  French oak; 40% new, 60% neutral
Bottling date:  June 2021

Tasting Notes  PDF

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