Thirty years after first planting its vineyards, Girard continues to produce wine reflecting the quality that has made Napa Valley the most famous New World wine growing region in the world. Napa’s rise to fame was punctuated by a renaissance that began at the same time Girard was setting down its own roots.
The valley’s benchmark year occurred in 1976, when a panel of French judges blind-tasted their own wines against a few upstarts from Napa. Much to everyone’s surprise, the California wines won first place in the white and red wine categories. Despite French howls of protest, the now famous Paris Tasting firmly established California on an equal footing with its Old World counterparts.
Today, Girard is experiencing a similar rebirth of sorts. Longtime California vintner Pat Roney purchased the winery shortly after the new millenium. Pat’s career in wine began as a sommelier at Chicago’s renowned Pump Room. Later he returned to his native California, where he ultimately became president of Chateau St. Jean, in Sonoma Valley.
At Girard, Pat continues a tradition of making Chardonnay and Cabernet-based wines. But he is also expanding Girard’s varietal focus to Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, grown on century-old vines that dot the Napa countryside. New vineyard plantings are also underway on both Diamond and Howell mountains, which border the western and eastern edges of the valley.
As it has been in the past, Girard’s goal is to highlight the flavors of Napa Valley and its rich, ripe grapes. A small portion of the winery’s portfolio also comes from grapes grown in Sonoma’s upscale Russian River Valley, where cool weather offers ideal conditions for Chardonnay.
Visit the Girard website.
| wa | 93 |
| we | 92 |
| ws | 90 |
Aromatics unfold with olives, anise, coffee, thyme and dark fruits. On the palate the wine showcases a rich mouthfeel of bittersweet chocolate, espresso, blackberry cobbler, dusty cinnamon and mocha. The finish evolves with bright acidity and inky tannins that integrate with intense savory fruit. more
BN#471801
Compare to: $36.13 Price:$28.69 $24.90 Save $3.79 (13%) SKUsc_168859 |  |
Aromatics reveal bright dark fruit, nutmeg, black pepper and tobacco on the nose. On the pallet lie notes of candied black cherries, cinnamon and mocha, accenting the well-integrated tannins. A silky, lingering fi nish highlights cracked pepper, leather and warm toffee. more
BN#478376
Compare to: $93.50 Price:$74.25 $69.95 Save $4.30 (6%) SKUsc_307463 | |
Aromas of pipe tobacco, ripe Bing cherry and wild marionberry appear on the nose with hints of soft and elegant baking spices. The palate expresses dark fruit infused with pomegranate, toasted oak and mocha. The finish lingers with satisfying flavors of graham cracker, plum and well-integrated tannins. more
BN#473952
Compare to: $37.40 Price:$29.70 $24.90 Save $4.80 (16%) SKUsc_143573 | |
Our 2010 Artistry has aromas of toasted hazelnuts and festive Christmas spices. Boysenberries and currants saturate the palate aside flavors of exotic bing cherries. Well-structured tannins round out this vintage with a beautiful, tobacco and spice finish. Enjoy this wine with your favorite cut of meat or a tasty spaghetti ... more
BN#475266
Compare to: $52.12 Price:$41.39 $34.90 Save $6.49 (16%) SKUsc_275118 | |
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.