RUTHERFORD, CA — Few people driving along Highway 29 in Napa Valley recognize both of the red white, and blue flags flying in front of this winery. They certainly know one, the American flag. The other represents Croatia, the native country of winemaker and co-owner Miljenko “Mike” Grgich.

 

The simple red-tile-roofed, white stucco building may not be as flashy as those of nearby wineries, but as the saying goes, it’s what’s inside that counts. Here you will find “Old World style wines” -- and the flavors --- well, they are what Napa Valley is all about. Tastings start at $25. Rule of thumb at Grgich Hills Estate: if you purchase 2 bottles they will waive the tasting fee.

Below is what I tasted during my recent visit. All wines were very good to excellent. A highly recommended, family-owned winery for visitors to California wine country.

 

2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown

Just released

-Wide national availability

-Just over 15,000 cases produced

-Blend: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon

14% Merlot

4.5% Petit Verdot

2.5% Cabernet Franc

-Retail: $72

 

2014 Miljenko’s Selection Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown

-Less than 1100 cases produced

-100% Cabernet

-Retail: $100

 

2010 Yountville Selection Old Vine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown

-Only 500 cases produced (Made from old Cabernet vineyards. The 2^nd oldest in Napa Valley planted in 1959. This one is not on their website and so I suspect there is very little left to purchase. I felt fortunate that they were able to pour this classic wine for me.)

-100% Cabernet

-Retail: $215

2015 Miljenko’s Selection Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown

-646 cases produced

-100% Sauvignon Blanc (Has a very bright taste with grapefruit & tropical lime zest. Neutral oak for 6 months rather than stainless steel tanks)

-Retail: $55

 

2014 Napa Valley Chardonnay, Estate Grown

-Widest national availability

-Just over 23,000 cases produced (If you’re not familiar with their wines, this is a great place to start.)

-100% Chardonnay

-Retail: $43

 

2015 Miljenko’s Selection Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay, Estate Grown

-875 cases produced

-100% Chardonnay

-Retail: $60

 

2014 Paris Tasting Commemorative Napa Valley Chardonnay, Estate Grown

-942 cases produced

-100% Chardonnay (The winery wanted to reproduce their wining wine from the famed 1976 “Judgment of Paris Tasting”. Wow! This wine is exquisite!)

-Retail: $94

Grgich Hills Estate is located at 1829 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA. Phone: 800-532-3057.  It is a must-see destination for wine tasting. One of Napa Valley’s iconic landmark wineries. —TS

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