2021 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay Napa

WINE WATCH TASTING NOTES:  When Mike Grgich made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay — the white wine that won the Paris Tasting the grapes come fruit from the Bacigalupi Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.  When he partnered with Austin Hills, they began assembling an organically farmed estate that includes 88 acres in Carneros and 163 in American Canyon, the cool, southern districts of the Napa Valley where this chardonnay grows.  A more Burgundian style wine today than that first wine ironically and the 2021 vintage has a lovely bouquet of green apple, lemon citrus with a touch of lightly toasted oak spice and some briny mineral nuances.  On the tongue this wine has a smooth and creamy palate with bright citrus and tree fruit with just the right touch of oak spice and tongue tingly minerality lengthening the finish.  Most do not think of cellaring white wines but this one will reward you with 3-5 years of aging.  Finish 45+  TASTING DATE 10-24-24