The Hidden Hero Behind the ‘Judgment of Paris’ Napa Victory: Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
The 1976 “Judgment of Paris” — a blind tasting that shocked the wine world when Napa Valley wines beat top French Bordeaux and Burgundy — marks its 50th anniversary. The white winner, Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 1973, was actually crafted by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich (1923–2023), a Croatian-born winemaker who rose from a poor shepherd boy to become known as the “King of Chardonnay.” After escaping Yugoslavia, Grgich worked across Europe and North America before joining Napa wineries, learning from legendary André Tchelistcheff, and later helping Robert Mondavi. He made breakthroughs in winemaking techniques (including large-scale malolactic fermentation and microfiltration) and led Chateau Montelena’s acclaimed 1973 Chardonnay — a story later fictionalized by the film Bottle Shock (released as “Wine Miracle” in Korea), though the film omits Grgich’s central role. In 1977 he founded Grgich Hills Estate, producing biodynamic-certified wines and emphasizing restrained French oak use for long-aging, expressive Chardonnays and distinctive reds. Grgich was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame and passed away at 100 in 2023; his family continues to run the winery. The article also profiles several Grgich Hills wines (estate Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé) and their food pairings and winemaking details.
