2012 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Griffin's Lair
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Tasting notes
(all whole clusters and 13.2% alcohol; neutral oak): Dark purple. Exuberant aromas of blackberry, blueberry and floral oils, along with hints of smoked meat and licorice. Fine-grained, silky dark berry flavors are complicated by floral and peppery spice notes, with lively acidity adding lift. Finishes on an emphatic smoky note, with excellent clarity and length and slow-building tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Graphite, game, savory herbs, tobacco, smoke and black fruit inform the 2012 Syrah Griffin's Lair Vineyard. The intensity of the fruit is matched pound for pound by the tannin. As is often the case with Griffin's Lair, the fruit is insanely beautiful, but will it outlast the tannin? I am not sure about the future, but the 2012 is striking today, even if it is a bit rustic.