Grgich Hills Napa Valley Zinfandel 2018
Grgich Hills Napa Valley Zinfandel 2018 comes from the warmest of the estate's five Napa vineyards — a 34-acre site above Calistoga with gravelly loam and morning-sun exposure, the sole source of the winery's Zinfandel. Co-fermented with a touch of Petite Sirah and raised in large French oak casks so the fruit stays forward, it's bottled at 14.9% ABV and drinks lush, balanced and age-worthy. You can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14.9%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2018 — harvested October 5–11, 2018; cool, consistent season
- Blend: estate Zinfandel co-fermented with a small amount of Petite Sirah
- Vineyard: 34 acres above Calistoga (warmest estate site); farmed naturally, certified organic
- Fermentation: indigenous yeast, pressed off skins early; aged in large French oak casks
From the House of the Paris Tasting
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich made history when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay beat France's finest whites at the 1976 Paris Tasting; he founded Grgich Hills Estate the next year with Austin Hills. The estate still farms all five vineyards naturally — no artificial pesticides or herbicides, regenerative organic certified — and ferments with indigenous yeast. The 2018 vintage brought a bountiful, cool, even season with timely spring rain; the fruit arrived with lower alcohol and high acidity, and the wine shows it. Wilfred Wong scored it 92, Robert Parker 90. Browse Grgich Hills Estate, explore Zinfandel, or see the store's red wines.
Tasting Notes
Lush, fruit-forward aromas of cherry, raspberry and candied orange, with savory undertones of sandalwood and sweet licorice. The palate brings juicy blood orange, plum and ripe fig, vivacious mid-palate tannins and vibrant acidity; stewed plums, Morello cherries and raspberry pie with Indian spices, wild thyme and a long, peppery finish per the Wine Advocate.
How to Enjoy
Decant briefly and serve at cellar temperature. Built for baked short ribs, rack of lamb, sausage pizza or meat lasagna — and the balanced structure promises long, graceful aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grgich Hills Zinfandel estate grown?
Yes — entirely from the winery's own 34-acre vineyard above Calistoga, farmed naturally and certified organic.
What food pairs with Grgich Hills Zinfandel?
Rack of lamb, baked short ribs, steak sandwiches, sausage pizza or meat lasagna.
How is it different from other Napa Zinfandels?
Indigenous-yeast fermentation, early pressing for fruit character, and aging in large (not small) French oak casks keeps the varietal character balanced and elegant rather than oaky.
A Napa Zinfandel with pedigree and balance — the 2018 is ready to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.