
Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2018
Grgich Hills Estate is an iconic Napa Valley winery, consistently producing world-class wines. Called 'The King of Chardonnay' since the winery began in 1977, vintner Hall of Fame inductee Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first earned world-wide recognition when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that he crafted won the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best of France. Mike then partnered with Austin Hills to open their family-owned-and-operated winery in 1977. Committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, Grgich farms their five estate vineyards without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, rely on wild yeast fermentation and use their passion and art to handcraft food-friendly, balanced and elegant wines.
This gorgeous 2018 Chardonnay opens with fresh, citrus aromas of Meyer lemon and lime followed by juicy, ripe peach, with underlying notes of honeysuckle, herbs, and vanilla. The 2018 vintage showed above-average natural acids in the wines, which, along with lower sugar levels, make the 2018 vintage of white wines exceptionally fresh and vibrant. Take a sip, and you’ll find that this 2018 Chardonnay, Napa Valley exhibits an extraordinary balance of citrus fruit on the front palate with minerality and depth of flavors on the mid-palate. The aftertaste is harmonious and lingers well beyond expectation.
92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2018 Chardonnay bursts from the glass with intense scents of white peaches, lemon curd, fresh grapefruit and lime blossoms with hints of sea spray and toasted almonds. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully crisp and intense, with bags of citrus fruit and a satiny texture to counter all that vivacity, finishing long and minerally.
92 Points - James Suckling Aromas of honeysuckle, nectarine, crushed stones and toasted hazelnut. Hint of white pepper. It’s full-bodied and creamy with crisp acidity. Dense and concentrated with a toasty, flinty finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.