Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

GRGICH HILLS

Cabernet Sauvignon
2011

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Napa
Appellation
Napa Valley
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon 100 %
Alcohol percentage
14.5%
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Aging vessel type
60% new French oak
Length of aging
21 months
Total acidity
5.9 g/l
PH
3.62
Producer's website

About this winery

Grgich Hills Estate Winery, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, holds a storied history marked by excellence and innovation. Founded in 1977 by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and Austin Hills, it quickly became renowned for its commitment to crafting premium wines. Mike Grgich, a Croatian immigrant and celebrated winemaker, gained international acclaim when the Chardonnay he crafted for Chateau Montelena won the 1976 Paris Tasting, a watershed moment for American wines. Located in Rutherford, Grgich...

See the GRGICH HILLS detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Thanks to cool weather and unexpected rains, this was a demanding, but in the end, rewarding vintage for us. More reminiscent of France than Napa Valley, the 2011 vintage produced elegant wines with great aromatics and the lower level of sugars from the cool growing season translated into lower alcohol. The wet winter and spring delayed the start of bloom and then cool temperatures slowed grape development, pushing the start of harvest back by two weeks.

Production notes

We fermented the grapes using only yeasts that naturally occur on the grapes and allowed the wine to gain flavors and color from extended skin contact. Each lot is aged separately for several months, and then blended to create a wine that is more complex than its individual parts. After blending, the wine spent another year and half in barrel to completely harmonize before bottling.

Tasting notes

Elegant and full bodied, the wine’s complex aromas of black berries, black licorice and a hint of cocoa powder are the perfect partner with grilled steak, roasted rack of lamb or venison stew.

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 91 points -

December 2017 (Vintage 2015)

This shows some of the classic Grgich hallmarks with fresher fruit that runs in the red to black plum spectrum as well as fresh herbs and grass. Medium to full body, grainy tannins and a minerally, dynamic finish. From biodynamically-grown grapes. Drink in 2020.

See detailed press review