Grgich Hills Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Grgich Hills Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a full-bodied, estate-grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 14.6% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vineyards across Yountville, Rutherford, and Calistoga, this vintage comes from one of the first Napa Valley producers to earn Regenerative Organic Certification across all five of its estate properties — a distinction achieved in December 2022.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.6%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2022  |  Producer: Grgich Hills Estate

Production & Heritage

Grgich Hills Estate was founded in 1977 by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, the winemaker behind the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that triumphed at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, and Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee family. The estate farms organically and biodynamically across roughly 366 acres spanning some of Napa Valley's most distinguished sub-appellations — Yountville, Rutherford, and Calistoga — each contributing distinct soil profiles and microclimates to the final blend. The estate employs indigenous yeast fermentation and extended skin contact of approximately four weeks, an approach designed to express site-specific character rather than impose a formulaic house style.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark black currant and ripe plum lead, followed by layers of cedar, clove, and dried lavender. A subtle mocha undertone emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is concentrated with blackberry and black cherry fruit, carried by a rich, weighty mid-palate. Cedar and clove spice build through the center, while mocha and licorice notes add complexity toward the peak. The tannin structure is firm but polished, supporting the fruit without dominating it.

Finish: Long and lingering, with dark berry fruit gradually giving way to toasty mocha and a thread of licorice. The finish maintains a balanced tension between ripe fruit sweetness and savory, earthy depth.

How to Drink Grgich Hills Cabernet

This Cabernet is best served at around 62–65°F, ideally after 30 to 45 minutes of decanting to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatic layers to fully develop. Drinking it neat — without food — rewards patient sipping, but the wine's firm structure also makes it a strong partner at the dinner table.

Best For

• Gifting a wine enthusiast who values organic and sustainable farming
• Anchoring a Napa Valley vertical tasting alongside older Grgich Hills vintages
• Pairing with a grilled prime ribeye or braised short rib dinner
• Cellaring for 10–15 years to track the evolution of a certified organic Napa Cabernet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Grgich Hills Cabernet taste like? It leads with concentrated black currant, plum, and blackberry fruit layered with cedar, clove, and mocha spice. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long finish marked by licorice and dark berry.

How does Grgich Hills Cabernet compare to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet? Both estates are tied to the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris — Grgich through Mike Grgich's Chardonnay win and Stag's Leap through its red wine victory. Grgich Hills tends toward a richer, more fruit-forward and earth-driven style with organic farming at its core, while Stag's Leap Cabernets from the Stags Leap District are often noted for silky tannins and elegance.

Is Grgich Hills Cabernet good for aging? Yes — the firm tannin structure and concentrated fruit of this Napa Cabernet give it strong cellaring potential, and many previous vintages have shown well after a decade or more of proper storage.

Where is Grgich Hills Cabernet made? Grgich Hills Estate is located in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, with vineyards spanning the Yountville, Rutherford, and Calistoga sub-appellations.

What foods pair well with Grgich Hills Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and tannic backbone. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary echo its herbal and earthy notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese bridge the mocha and cedar tones. Mushroom risotto mirrors the wine's savory depth, and dark chocolate desserts align with its licorice and mocha finish.

What sizes does Grgich Hills Cabernet come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Grgich Hills Cabernet worth the price? Grgich Hills positions as a premium Napa Valley Cabernet from one of the appellation's most historically significant and sustainably farmed estates, offering estate-grown fruit and Regenerative Organic Certification at a price point that remains competitive within the upper tier of Napa Cabernet.

Why Grgich Hills Cabernet?

Few Napa Valley producers carry the historical weight of Grgich Hills, a winery born directly from the tasting that reshaped the global perception of California wine. The 2022 vintage arrives from vineyards that have achieved Regenerative Organic Certification — a standard that goes beyond organic to actively rebuild soil health — making it among the most sustainably produced premium Napa Cabernets available. The multi-appellation sourcing from Yountville, Rutherford, and Calistoga delivers a wine with genuine complexity rather than single-note power. For collectors and drinkers who value provenance, farming philosophy, and a track record spanning nearly five decades, this is a Cabernet that earns attention on substance rather than hype.