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Griffin's Lair unique terroir is driven by the steady winds that pour from the Pacific Ocean through the Petaluma wine gap. Called such because of the low lying pasture land west of Petaluma, CA, the area is a funnel for cool winds everyday from nearly April through August. While the cooling influence definitely contributes to this savory, cool-climate styled flavor profile, the winds also create an incredible evaporative demand on the plant. Establishing early water stress on Syrah is critical to making significant gains in concentration and complexity, two things Griffin's Lair Syrah has in spades. The winds, combined with shallow loamy soils induce the vines to produce small clusters with small berries and wines with big concentration.
The 2008 Griffin's evokes a sense of winter, not because it has any aromatic similarities to the icy wintry air, but because its aromas of blackberry licorice, dried cherries, and even something like spiced ginger bread transport us to a warm fireside on a crisp evening. This wine's creamy texture and depth seem to bring together two opposing forces: power and subtlety. Layered with complexity that is difficult to deconstruct and revealed only by patience (i.e. subtle), there is also a sense of strength given the wine's tremendous concentration. If you're able to get past repeatedly enjoying the intoxicating nose and actually begin placing the wine in your mouth you'll be rewarded with what might seem a surprising amount of seamlessness in such a youthful and powerful wine. Enjoy!
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$65.00 |
Parker Scores |
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2008 |
95-97 |
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2007 |
93 |
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2006 |
93 |
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2005 |
94 |
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2004 |
94-97 |
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2003 |
95 |
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2002 |
92 |
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