Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003

VINTAGE : Bud break came early in 2003, followed by a cool and wet spring that slowed down development. After a long, steady growing season, a few heat spikes in September accelerated ripening, which were followed by days of cool weather, so we had a

January 2009

Number 86 on the Wine.com 100 of 2007! Surprisingly elegant for a 2003, this melds bright raspberry flavor with darker tones of savory black olives and freshly turned earth. The fruit character is beautifully floral, clean and fresh, a crush of berry flavor held in tense suspension with the tannin, so finely integrated that it's the fresh impression that lasts. Lovely to drink now with a roast leg of lamb, this will only get better with age. -Wines & Spirits 2003 marks the first vintage that Grgich Hills' Cabernet Sauvignon is estate grown. By blending wine from their Yountville vineyard read more...with small amounts from their Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards, which are all farmed organically, they create a complex Cabernet Sauvignon with a distinctive personality. The result is a dark, muscular wine with intriguing aromas of licorice, cedar and blackberries with a hint of earthy truffles. Wonderfully drinkable upon release, the wine's firm tannin structure promises it will benefit from aging. All of Grgich Hills' vineyards are biodynamically farmed, an agricultural philosophy that incorporates all of the elements of organic farming, using no artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or fungicides. Additionally, it treats the Earth as a living organism and utilizes nature's basic life forces to bring about balance between the grapevines and the Earth.    (hide)

Most consumers associate Grigch with their beautiful, European style Chardonnay. The truth is more interesting: For year Grgich has been making a Bordeaux-like Cabernet with deep, dark fruits and a noble reserve which reflects the founders' French training and sensibility. A fine food Cabernet, the 2003 is just beginning to drink well and will age for a decade.

Concentrated black currant fruit is layered with generous amounts of cedar and dried herbs, picking up mint through the finish. Firm tannic structure. Needs the balance of a well-marbled steak. Decant now and drink over the next four or five years.

Napa Valley-Our Yountville vineyard, which we began farming biodynamically in 2003, supplies the main body of our Napa Valley blend. Nicely balanced between fruit and tannin, this elegant wine is rich with aromas of black cherry, crushed rose petals and cocoa powder.

July 2009

Rating: 3/5 - As reviewed by Decanter Deep, earthy, smoky, restrained nose. Round, ripe, pronounced tannins, quite firm, has potential, patience required. Drink 2009-12.