2008 Wind Gap Syrah Griffin's Lair
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Tasting notes
More dense and rustic, the 2008 Wind Gap Wines Syrah Griffin's Lair is perhaps more concentrated and structured than the '07, with smoky, tar-laced aromas of dark fruit, charred meats, roasted herbs, and licorice all showing on the nose. Full-bodied and seriously concentrated, with loads of extract, a creamy, rich texture, and loads of structure on the finish, this lacks the purity and precision of the '07 and '09, yet has loads of depth and potential. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and then drink over the following decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright purple. Vibrant, heady aromas of cassis, blueberry, candied licorice and Moroccan spices, with hints of violet and mocha. Sweet, creamy and deep, with a layered quality to the cassis, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors. Remarkably lush syrah with a broad, palate-staining finish that features suave tannins and a whiplash of dark berry fruit. I'd hold off on opening this for at least a few more years. Mahle fermented all his 2008 syrahs with whole clusters.
More austere and angular, the 2008 Syrah Griffin’s Lair exhibits astringent tannins which give the wine a masculine, charmless character although it possesses some serious stuffing as well as richness. It may never become totally balanced, but another 2-3 years of bottle age may prove beneficial. Tel. (707) 887-9100; Fax (707) 887-9101