We farm all of our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic and Biodynamic®. Our Chardonnay comes from our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas.

By farming naturally and not allowing the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation, we crafted a wine that is alive with delicious acidity.

Thanks to cool weather and unexpected rains, 2011 was a demanding, but in the end, rewarding vintage for us. The wet winter and spring delayed the start of bloom and then cool temperatures slowed grape development, pushing the start of harvest back by two weeks. More reminiscent of France than Napa Valley, this vintage fashioned elegant wines with great aromatics and the lower level of sugars from the cool growing season translated into lower alcohol.

92 Point Review-Robert Whitley Cool, rainy weather posed numerous challenges for the 2011 grape harvest in northern California, yet meticulous selection and skillful work in the cellar resulted in many successes. At Grgich, winemaker Ivo Jeramaz made the most of what nature gave him, crafting a lean but lovely Chardonnay that comes in at less than 14 percent alcohol by volume, a rarity these days in California. This vintage exhibits a delicate floral note, a hint of lemon oil, and mouth-watering acidity. From the Napa Valley’s premier Chardonnay producer, you would expect no less.