Grgich Hills 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Cellar Hijack!! Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated “Paris Tasting” of 1976, when the Chardonnay he crafted was chosen as the finest white wine in the world. That result immediately earned Mike a reputation as one of the greatest winemakers in the world. And Grgich Hills has been producing stellar Cabernets for more than four decades.

This wine is their Estate Cabernet from the historic 2007 vintage. The 2007 vintage  was  almost perfect for grapes with a long, dry growing season with reduced yields and concentrated flavors. Their Yountville vineyard provides the heart of this wine with their  Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards rounding out the blend. All vineyards are certified  organic and Biodynamic.

The grapes were fermented using only natural yeasts and given extended skin contact. Each lot was aged separately for several  months, and  then blended to create the final blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc and then put back in barrel to continue aging. Total time in 60% new French oak barrels was 21 months.

On Cellar Tracker it averages 91 points and members recommend a long aeration. The Wine Advocate tasted this a year and a half ago and scored it 91 points saying "Medium garnet colored with a hint of brick, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a lovely nose of warm cassis, stewed red and black plums and camphor with hints of potpourri, yeast extract, black olives and fungi. Full-bodied, the palate has fantastic freshness and wonderfully ripe, grainy tannins delivering a structured style to match the muscular fruit, finishing with an herbal lift. Drink 2018-2030"  Extremely Limited!!