94 Points - Beverage Testing Institute
91 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
Gold Medal - World Wine Championships
Vintage: The 2013 vintage was nearly perfect, with consistent sunshine and moderate temperatures. After a wet start to winter in 2012, spring was warmer than usual, triggering an early bud break and lowering and fruit set under sunny skies. With only one heat spike in late June/early July, Napa’s typical warm days and cool nights created wonderfully flavorful grapes. We started harvesting about two weeks earlier than usual and never seemed to stop with grapes coming in at a steady pace.
Vineyard: Our Chardonnay thrives in our 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. We farm all of our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
The Wine: Miljenko “Mike” Grgich has been called “The King of Chardonnay” since the winery began in 1977, and you can taste why in this classically-styled wine. We did not allow the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural acidity. The wine displays ripe peach, mango and tropical flavors, with a note of minerality. Enjoy with fresh seafood, roasted chicken, grilled pork, and creamy cheeses.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appelation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Aug. 30 - Sept. 13, 2013
Sugar: 23.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 6.6 g/L
pH: 3.29
Aging: Fermented and aged 10 months
Type of oak: French oak; 60% neutral, 40% new
Bottling date: July/August 2014
Release date: May 2016
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
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