Our 34-acre vineyard, which is located above Calistoga, is the warmest of our five vineyards and is the sole source of our Zinfandel. Its northeast exposure catches abundant morning sun but is shaded from the hot, late afternoon sun and combined with the vineyard’s gravelly loam soil, creates the perfect spot to grow this varietal. We farm all of our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
Description
From the Winery: "
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated “Paris Tasting” of 1976. Then, in a now-historic blind tasting, a panel of eminent French judges swirled, sniffed, and sipped an array of the fabled white Burgundies of France and a small sampling of upstart Chardonnays from the Napa Valley. When their scores were tallied, the French judges were shocked: they had chosen the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, as the finest white wine in the world. Mon Dieu! The results stunned the international wine establishment and immediately earned Mike a reputation as one of the greatest winemakers in the world.
Fresh red fruit aromas of blood orange, sour cherry and cranberry commingle with savory cardamom and clove, hinting to the intriguing core to follow. On the palate, juicy red berries, ripe pluot and rose hip precede hints of laurel and lightly roasted coffee beans. Vivacious tannins and fresh acidity make for an elegant balance and lasting finish."