Chardonnay "Estate Grown", Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley, CA, 2023

Winery tasting notes

Grgich Hills describes the wine as featuring:

• White peach
• Lemon and key lime
• Coconut
• Meyer lemon
• Mandarin
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Hint of oregano
• Bright natural acidity
• Long, flavorful finish

A defining characteristic is that the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving crisp acidity rather than developing the buttery character common in many California Chardonnays.

Style

This is a classic Napa Chardonnay with a restrained, Old World-inspired approach:

• Medium to full body
• Bright, refreshing acidity
• Citrus and orchard fruit dominate
• Moderate oak influence
• Mineral and savory complexity
• Little to no buttery character

Drinking window

• Drink now: Yes
• Cellaring potential: Approximately 5–8 years (through about 2030–2033), with additional complexity likely to develop while retaining freshness, consistent with Grgich Hills' style and James Suckling's "Drink or hold" recommendation.

Overall assessment

With 92-point ratings from both James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, the 2023 vintage appears to be another successful release for Grgich Hills. It should appeal particularly to drinkers who prefer balanced, food-friendly Chardonnay with vibrant acidity and mineral character over richer, heavily buttery styles.