Grgich Chardonay 2020

93 Points - James Suckling

Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses.  The flavors are just as complex with delightful, 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.

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:  2020 was one of the most rewarding vintages for the winery. One of the hottest vintages on record with multiple heat waves well over 100 degrees, vintage 2020 was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60% below average. Despite the heat and drought, our vines were well prepared for the stress.  Due to low rainfall in 2020, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality - great acid and freshness in white wines.

Alcohol:  13.5%
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date:  Aug. 20 - Sept. 9, 2020
Sugar:  22.5 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; 40% new, 60% neutral
Bottling date:  June 2021