Grgich-Hills Chardonnay

90 points and one star from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Classically Grgich in its restrained first impressions, this fairly full and yet firm bottling reluctantly offers up notes of green apples, toasty oak and hints of lime in its aromas, but the wine surprises on the palate with much more evident depth to its firm, tight but promising flavors. This is a wine that has the right pieces in the right places for cellaring." (Oct. 2008) For 30 years the label Grgich Hills has been synonymous with the pioneering spirit that put the Napa Valley on the world's wine map. The 2006 vintage is the beginning of another era; it is the first vintage that the winery's chardonnay vineyards were certified biodynamic, which helped keep the vines healthy through the temperamental season. Fermented and aged (10 months) in 30% new and 60% neutral French oak with the balance in 900-gallon casks, the winery, as always, did not allow the fruit to undergo malo. The result, enhanced by the biodynamic growing practices, was a wine of delightful acidity with notes of lemon, white flowers, mineral and honey. Try it with miso-glazed halibut, rosemary grilled shrimp or pork tenderloin.