Grgich Hills Estate
Paradise Block Old Vine
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville
Auction 27 | Lot No. 51
Vintage: 2021
Grgich Hills Estate
Paradise Block Old Vine
Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville
10 cases produced
Highlights
- Your wine, sourced from vines planted in 1959, is an homage to Mike Grgich’s dream of Paradise
- The best fruit from a small block was used to express this wine’s depth of flavor and sense of terroir
- Aging in French oak barrels, this balanced, elegant wine can be enjoyed soon or aged for decades
- From a winery committed to organic and regenerative farming, we hope that this wine transports you to Napa Valley
Description
When Mike Grgich was a student at the University of Zagreb in Croatia, his professor once whispered to him that Napa Valley was “Paradise.” Inspired by these words, Mike eventually found his way to the valley to follow his dream. After many attempts, Mike was able to purchase our Yountville vineyard that was planted to the second-oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Napa Valley, back in 1959. This wine is an homage to Mike’s dream of “Paradise.” We use only the best fruit from a very small block to craft a special Cabernet Sauvignon that offers a depth of flavor and sense of terroir that can only be achieved through a deep root system, hard work and determination. Aging in French oak barrels, this balanced and elegant wine can be enjoyed soon or aged for decades to come.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Organically produced (also commonly called "organically grown")
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Ivo Jeramaz
Winemaker, Grgich Hills Estate
Ivo was born in Croatia to a family of grape growers, and, as a boy, he assisted in making wine for his family's enjoyment. However, he didn't plan on becoming a winemaker. Ivo earned a Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Zagreb and dreamed of coming to California to work as an engineer. In 1986, with the help of his uncle, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, Ivo followed his dream and came to Napa Valley. He quickly fell in love with the scenic beauty of the area and became fascinated with wine making. Ivo decided on a career change, and Mike immediately put him to work washing barrels.
During his almost three decades at Grgich Hills Estate, Ivo has worked his way up in responsibility, learning the classic style and art of winemaking from his uncle, supported by the tools of science and technology. "There's nothing in the winery or vineyard that I haven't done, not just for one day, but really worked at it," he explains. While he has taken enology and viticulture courses at the University of California, Davis, he says, "I've learned more working in the vineyards and in the winery with Mike."
Under the guidance of his uncle, Ivo is now responsible for the day-to-day operations in the cellar and the vineyard, including naturally farming Grgich Hills Estate's 366 acres without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
"At Grgich Hills Estate, we grow grapes like my grandfather did, farming without chemicals and pesticides," Ivo says. "Mike taught me early in my career that you need great grapes to make great wine. Over the years, I've focused on working with the land. Through our natural farming, it's been very rewarding to seeing the soil alive with healthier plants than under conventional farming. It allows the wines to be more authentic, more distinctive."
Country born: Croatia
Education: Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Zagreb
Enology and viticulture courses at the University of California, Davis
Mentored by his uncle, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Mike Grgich taught me early in my career that you need great grapes to make great wine. Over the years, I've focused on working with the land. Through our natural farming, it's been very rewarding to seeing the soil alive with healthier plants than under conventional farming. It allows the wines to be more authentic, more distinctive.
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