The 2019 Grgich Hills Estate Grown Zinfandel is a classic Napa Valley Zinfandel crafted from 100% organically certified, estate-grown fruit. Sourced primarily from the winery's Yountville and Calistoga vineyards, the wine reflects Grgich Hills' philosophy of producing balanced, food-friendly wines that emphasize elegance over excessive ripeness. Aged in French oak for approximately 15 months, it showcases the variety's vibrant fruit while maintaining freshness and structure.

Vintage Overview

The 2019 Napa Valley vintage is considered outstanding, with a long, moderate growing season that produced wines with exceptional concentration, freshness, and refined tannins. For Zinfandel, the vintage delivered ripe fruit flavors balanced by bright acidity, making it both approachable and age-worthy.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

• Deep ruby with garnet highlights

Nose

Expressive aromas of:

• Blackberry
• Raspberry
• Black cherry
• Plum
• Black pepper
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla
• Cedar
• Cocoa

Palate

Medium- to full-bodied with flavors of:

• Blackberry preserves
• Ripe raspberry
• Bing cherry
• Blueberry
• Baking spices
• Dark chocolate
• Sweet tobacco
• Black pepper

Silky tannins and lively acidity create excellent balance, leading to a long finish with notes of spice, cocoa, and ripe berry fruit.

Structure

• Body: Medium to Full
• Acidity: Medium+
• Tannins: Medium, silky
• Alcohol: 14.8%
• Oak: Approximately 15 months in French oak
• Finish: Long, spicy, and fruit-driven

Regional Character

Unlike the jammy, high-alcohol style often associated with some California Zinfandels, Grgich Hills emphasizes restraint and balance. The cooler influence of southern Napa and careful organic farming produce a Zinfandel with:

• Bright blackberry and raspberry fruit
• Fresh acidity
• Black pepper spice
• Refined tannins
• Excellent food-pairing versatility

This style is more elegant and Old World-inspired than many bold, fruit-forward Zinfandels from Lodi or Dry Creek Valley.

Professional Ratings

Drinking Window

Drinking beautifully now after 30–45 minutes of decanting, the 2019 Grgich Hills Estate Grown Zinfandel should continue to evolve through 2032, developing notes of dried fig, leather, tobacco, and sweet spice.

Food Pairings

• Barbecued ribs
• Grilled ribeye
• Smoked brisket
• Italian sausage
• Lamb burgers
• Wood-fired pizza
• Beef chili
• Aged cheddar
• Gouda

Sommelier's Perspective

The 2019 Grgich Hills Estate Grown Zinfandel is a refined expression of Napa Valley Zinfandel, combining ripe blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, pepper, cocoa, and baking spice with bright acidity and polished tannins. Unlike many powerful California Zinfandels, it favors elegance, balance, and food compatibility, making it an outstanding choice for guests seeking a sophisticated, estate-grown interpretation of this iconic American grape.

94pts Wine Enthusiast

Bold and berrylike, this fullbodied but not very tannic wine is saturated with jammy blackberries and raspberries that coat the palate and give a luscious ripeness that won’t quit. Hints of black pepper and grilled herbs add interesting complexity as you keep sipping.
Editors' Choice

90pts Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Zinfandel charges out of the gate with notes of stewed plums, Morello cherries and raspberry pie plus suggestions of Indian spices, wild thyme and hoisin. The medium-bodied palate is laden with red and black berry layers, supported by chewy tannins and invigorating freshness, finishing long and peppery.

Winemaker Notes

This classic Zinfandel exhibits lush, fruit-forward aromas of cherry, raspberry and candied orange with savory undertones of sandalwood and sweet licorice. On the palate, notes of juicy blood orange, plum, and ripe fig lead into vivacious tannins on the mid-palate with vibrant acidity. This Zinfandel’s balanced and elegant structure promises a long, graceful aging potential.

History

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.