Cabernet Sauvignon (1984)

About this wine

The 1984 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a rich and supple profile, featuring generous black cherry and currant flavors that are crisp and tart on the finish. The tannins are smooth yet firm, providing a balanced structure that has allowed the wine to age gracefully. This vintage reflects the expertise of winemaker Mike Grgich, who gained international acclaim when his Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that put Napa Valley on the global wine map. The 1984 growing season in Napa Valley was marked by a warm, dry spring followed by a hot summer, leading to an early harvest that produced wines with concentrated flavors and excellent aging potential. Today, this Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a testament to the enduring quality of Grgich Hills Estate's wines, offering a harmonious blend of fruit, tannin, and acidity that continues to captivate wine enthusiasts.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it a favorite among vintners worldwide. In Napa Valley, this varietal gained prominence, especially after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where local wines outshone esteemed French counterparts, elevating the region's global status. The 1984 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly notable, as it was crafted by Mike Grgich, a pivotal figure in Napa's wine history, using grapes from some of the valley's oldest vines planted in 1959 in the Yountville AVA. These deep-rooted vines yield fruit with exceptional concentration and complexity, reflecting the rich terroir of the area.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1984 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from some of Napa Valley's oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1959 in the Yountville AVA.
• 🏅 This vintage received a rating of 87/100 from Wine Spectator, highlighting its rich and supple character with generous black cherry and currant flavors.
• 🌱 Grgich Hills Estate, founded in 1977 by Mike Grgich and Austin Hills, is renowned for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices.
• 🌍 The winery's founder, Mike Grgich, gained international fame when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay he crafted won the 1976 Paris Tasting, a historic event that put Napa Valley on the global wine map.
• ☀️ The 1984 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a warm, dry spring and a hot summer, leading to an early harvest and wines with concentrated flavors.

Palate profile

Producer

Grgich Hills Estate, located in Rutherford, California, was founded on July 4, 1977, by renowned winemaker Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee family. Mike Grgich gained international acclaim when the 1973 Chardonnay he crafted at Chateau Montelena won the 1976 Paris Tasting, a pivotal event that elevated Napa Valley's status in the global wine industry. Committed to sustainable and organic farming practices, the winery achieved Regenerative Organic Certification in 2023, reflecting its dedication to environmental stewardship. Today, Grgich Hills Estate remains family-owned and operated, producing world-class wines that honor its rich heritage and commitment to quality.