By Luke Jeramaz, Digital Marketing Manager · Published October 19th, 2026
In short: Grgich Hills Estate’s current release carries five independently verified critic scores. Leading them is the 2021 Paradise Block Cabernet Sauvignon, our highest-scoring wine to date at 98 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Close behind it are the 2023 Paris ’76 Chardonnay, also scored by Perrotti-Brown at 97 points, and the 2023 Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc, rated 96 points by The Tasting Panel. Rounding out the list are two Cabernet Sauvignons tied at 95 points: the 2022 Miljenko’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, reviewed by The Wine Palate, and the 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, scored by Decanter. This page collects those accolades in one place, organized by wine, so you can see exactly which score belongs to which bottle.
Fast Facts
- Highest-scoring wine: the 2021 Paradise Block Cabernet Sauvignon, at 98 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown
- Also currently scored: the 2023 Paris ’76 Chardonnay (97 points, Perrotti-Brown), the 2023 Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc (96 points, The Tasting Panel), and two Cabernet Sauvignons tied at 95 points — the 2022 Miljenko’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (The Wine Palate) and the 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Decanter)
- Winery heritage: founded by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, whose 1973 Chardonnay won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting; Grgich passed away in December 2023 at age 100, having served as winemaker emeritus practically until his passing
- Winemaking today: led day-to-day by Grgich’s nephew, Croatian-born Ivo Jeramaz
- Estate farming: 365 certified organic acres (since 2006) in the Rutherford district of Napa Valley
- Additional scores from James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast are being compiled per the Grgich team’s request — this page will be updated once those are supplied
What this page covers: the specific, current critic scores and competition awards Grgich Hills Estate wines have received, organized by wine, with direct attribution to the reviewer or competition for every score listed.
Search for “Grgich Hills wine scores,” and you’ll find plenty of general reputation — the estate’s decades-long legacy, its founder’s role in putting Napa Valley Chardonnay on the world map — but not always the specific, current-vintage numbers behind that reputation. This page fixes that gap. Every score below is attributed to a named critic or competition, tied to a specific wine and vintage, and pulled directly from our own current product records.
What are Grgich’s highest-scoring wines?
Our 2021 Paradise Block Cabernet Sauvignon holds the estate’s highest confirmed score to date: 98 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown.
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Block is still very tightly wound, slowly emerging with very pure scents of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries, and wild blueberries, followed by hints of iron ore, mint tea, fertile loam, and cardamom. The full-bodied palate is tautly stacked with black and blue fruit flavors, with firm, grainy tannins and fabulous tension, finishing long and ferrous.” —Lisa Perrotti-Brown
2023 Paris ’76 Chardonnay — 97 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
“The 2023 Paris ’76 prances out of the glass with showy notes of fresh white peaches, crunchy pears, and marzipan, followed by hints of struck flint, orange blossoms, and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is so elegant and beautifully poised, yet with intense zesty and savory layers, framed by a crisp backbone and satiny texture, finishing very long and energetic. Absolutely stunning! This comes from Grgich Hills Estate’s Carneros vineyard, planted to budwood from Larry Hyde (Wente Clone Selection).” —Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The wine’s name is a direct nod to the estate’s own history: founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich made the 1973 Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the blind tasting that first proved Napa Valley wine could out-score top French Burgundy.
2023 Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc — 96 points, The Tasting Panel
“Confidence is required to name a Sauvignon Blanc ‘Essence’ and price it at $75, but this finished product meets these challenges. It hits a near-perfect balance point between varietal intensity and a more mannered profile. Aromatic and flavor notes span the Sauvignon spectrum, running from citrus to melon fruit notes, with alluring but subtle herbal and mineral accents. This measures up to the best renditions of the variety from anywhere in the world.” —The Tasting Panel
Two current-release Cabernet Sauvignons are tied just behind, at 95 points.
2022 Miljenko’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon — 95 points, The Wine Palate
Reported by The Wine Palate and attributed to Lisa Perrotti-Brown, founder of The Wine Independent and formerly lead taster for Napa Valley at Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Miljenko’s Selection slowly unfurls to reveal very pretty notes of fresh black cherries, crushed blackcurrants, and raspberries, plus hints of camphor, graphite, and wild thyme. The full-bodied palate is satisfyingly intense yet bright and light on its feet, featuring a grainy texture and lively backbone, finishing long and minerally.” —Lisa Perrotti-Brown
2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — 95 points, Decanter
Legendary winemaker Mike Grgich passed away at 100 in December 2023. Acting as winemaker emeritus until his passing, he had a hand in shaping this blend. Today, his nephew, Croatian-born Ivo Jeramaz, manages day-to-day winemaking operations. The 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Rutherford and Calistoga — 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged 20 months in 100% French oak.
It’s a fashionable, complex, and complete wine showing a deep ruby-purple in the glass and attractive aromas of spiced blackberries, kirsch, perfumed violets, cassis, and tobacco spices. Medium-bodied with compact, juicy dark fruits and firm, elongated, elegant tannins and iron-like minerality on the long finish.
Table: Current Scores at a Glance
| Wine | Vintage | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Block Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | 98 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown |
| Paris ’76 Chardonnay | 2023 | 97 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown |
| Napa Valley Essence Sauvignon Blanc | 2023 | 96 points | The Tasting Panel |
| Miljenko’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon | 2022 | 95 points | The Wine Palate |
| Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | 95 points | Decanter |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grgich Hills Estate’s highest-scoring current wine?
The 2021 Paradise Block Cabernet Sauvignon currently holds the estate’s highest confirmed score, at 98 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown.
Why is Grgich Hills Estate associated with the Judgment of Paris?
Founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris blind tasting, the event credited with establishing Napa Valley’s reputation for world-class wine.
Are these scores from the current release, or older vintages?
The scores on this page are tied to specific current-release vintages (2021–2023) and are updated as new reviews and awards are confirmed.
Who makes Grgich Hills Estate’s wine today?
Founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, who passed away in December 2023 at age 100, served as winemaker emeritus practically until his passing. His nephew, Croatian-born Ivo Jeramaz, now manages day-to-day winemaking operations, including the 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon featured on this page.
Where can I buy Grgich Hills Estate’s award-winning wines?
Current releases are available directly through the estate’s online shop and tasting room.
See the full current lineup
Explore Grgich Hills Estate’s complete current release, or read our guide to the best Grgich Hills wine gifts for the 2026 holiday season.
Related reading: The Best Wine Gifts Under $150 from Napa Valley for the 2026 Holiday Season · Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay vs. Other Classic California Chardonnays: What Makes It Different · Grgich Hills Estate in the Press: Every Current Critic Score, Award, and Media Mention
About the author
Luke Jeramaz is the Digital Marketing Manager at Grgich Hills Estate in Napa and the son of winemaker Ivo Jeramaz.
