Expensive wine 80: Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2012
by Wine Curmudgeon Posted On
Want a classic example of Napa Valley chardonnay, with the just right amounts of fruit and oak, a proper mouth feel, balanced alcohol, at a fair price, and that speaks to Napa’s terroir? Then you could do much worse than the Grgich.
This is not damning with faint praise; rather, it says much about how wine is often made in that part of California — score driven, price be damned, and that the consumer will buy the Winestream Media tells them to buy. The Grgich, which has been around longer than I have been writing about wine, takes none of that into account. The 2013 Grgich Hills chardonnay ($42, sample, 13.5%) is no exception.
Look for green apple, a little citrus, and even some peach tucked away in the back. The oak is there, of course, but it’s integrated and part of the wine — not a flavor in and unto itself. Perhaps the most important quality is the wine’s acidity, something most California chardonnays don’t worry about. It helps the wine taste fresh and clean despite its richness.
Highly recommended, and the kind of wine to give as a holiday gift, drink at this time of year, and enjoy anytime.
Grgich wines are fabulous across the board for me. Belonged at one time but had to cut back because of fixed income. My daughter loves the Fume Blanc. Had such a great time at your events and Mike is quite the host with a wonderful sense of humor. Keep up the good work! ????????