- 97 points -

Stunningly complex with aromas of smoke, brioche, toast and a little flintiness. This is beautifully balanced with a blend of sweet apple, oyster shell and gentle sweet oak. A classy wine with such potential to develop further.

- 95 points -

Mike Grgich, who turned 100 in April 2023, emigrated from Croatia to California in 1958 and worked his way up as a winemaker until, in 1973, he produced the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that triumphed in the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting. His own winery, then Grgich Hills Cellar, was founded as a partnership in 1977. Grown near San Pablo Bay, the estate Chardonnay is fermented and aged in barrels and foudres, 40% of which are new French oak. Ronan Sayburn MS: Gunflint reductive nose with green cardamom, cucumber skin, oyster shell and seaweed. Smoky subtle oak. Lean, tight and mineral. Eugenio Egorov: Hints of citrus and caramel with a touch of vanilla on the nose. Creamy and vibrant with beautiful citrus and balanced acidity. Ben Gubbins: Struck match, toast and lime aromas. The palate is firm and citrussy, holding tight through a citrus and pineapple finish.

- 95 points -

Editors' Choice

This divine and complex white delivers tons of almond paste, sea salt, lime and tangerine that are balanced by fresh, vibrant, acidity. This is a well-balanced, food friendly wine that impresses from start to long finish

- 94 points -

Bright light gold color. Bright, waxy, smoky spicy aromas and fl avors of
candle wax, grilled citrus, pickled fruits, and rice pudding with a soft, tangy,
dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length
kiwi and lemon sorbet, spiced nuts, and honeyed herbs fi nish with fi ne,
crunchy tannins and light oak. A toasty, vibrantly delicious Chardonnay for
all occasions.

- 94 points -

The 2018 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay is stylish, compelling, and pure. This wine exhibits classic aromas and flavors of dried apples, herbs, earth, and light oaky notes. Try it with grilled crab legs in a decadent cream sauce.

- 94 points -

Impressive depth to this gracefully maturing Napa chardonnay from Grigich Hills. A salty crunch hits mid-palate and is followed by a lengthy progression of lingering flavours from macadamia nut and toast, to white peach and sage. The harmony is pitch perfect at this stage in its evolution and the oak has withdrawn its clutches on the palate. There is enough acidity here for several more years of enjoyment although, why wait?

- 93 points -

With a slight nose of noble reduction, this seductive wine offers a wealth of balanced flavor and body, shining in tones of nuts, fennel, vanilla and mango. The oak is measured and supportive, never getting in the way, allowing the acidity to pierce through the fruit.

- 93 points -

This gorgeous Chardonnay comes from Grgich Hills American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay. These vineyards are influenced by the cool maritime breezes and marine layer which allow the grapes to slowly ripen and develop complex favors while maintaining their natural acidity, and this shows beautifully in this 2013 Chardonnay. This fantastic Chardonnay instantly opens with vivid aromas bosh pear and jazz apple followed by lemon oil, acacia floral and minerals. On the palate it displays a wonderful balance of ripe fruit and acidity with by a beautiful textured mouthfeel. The 2013 is a classically styled Napa Valley Chardonnay which is already accessible and simply delicious.

- 93 points -

After opening to touches of oak and reduction, this white evolves into a lovely swan, beautifully structured and deep in texture and flavor. Pear, apple and pineapple wrap around toast and dried herb, finishing strong and supple. This will do well with further aging.

- 93 points -

Tasted previously continues to thrill in mineral char and length. From the Fingerprint File, my previous note, “glides in so much variety balance I can imagine showering with wine. You will not pigeon-hole this-worldly and structured white because its finesse reaches out across the great mineral vs tropical divide debate. Sure, there is timbered-driven, golden-fleshed apple, green melon and buttered, toasted bread, but there too is a sting of acidity. Stellar year for Napa Chardonnay. Great glass of sunshine. -Michael Godel

- 92 points -

A non-malolactic wine—made in the spirit of the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that impressed at the Paris tasting in 1976—Grgich's 2020 Estate Grown Chardonnay features gentle toasty notes, a hint of roasted hazelnut, plus bright pineapple and citrus fruit. It's medium-bodied, zesty and refreshing, with a long, clean finish.

- 92 points -

Attractive crunchy character with spiced pears, lemon pith, white tea, lemongrass and orange peel. It is full-bodied with creamy texture, vivid acidity and juicy crunchiness. It is both rich and fresh with a polished, mineral finish. From organically grown grapes

- 92 points -

A non-malolactic wine—made in the spirit of the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that impressed at the Paris tasting in 1976—Grgich's 2020 Estate Grown Chardonnay features gentle toasty notes, a hint of roasted hazelnut, plus bright pineapple and citrus fruit. It's medium-bodied, zesty and refreshing, with a long, clean finish

- 92 points -

Aromas of honeysuckle, nectarine, crushed stones and toasted hazelnut. Hint of white pepper. It’s full-bodied and creamy with crisp acidity. Dense and concentrated with a toasty, flinty finish. From organically grown grapes.

- 92 points -

A creamy and flavorful white with cooked-apple and honey aromas and flavors. Some cream, too. Full and round with lovely fruit and balance. A rich and opulent white. From biodynamically grown grapes.