Winery - Griffin Creek
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The attack is sharp, hot, with an edge of bitter citrus rind; a bit untraditional for Viognier, which so often is floral and softly seductive. This is a big, hard, assertive wine, bracing and flavored with orange peel. Lots of tannin and extract indicate high (over 14%) alcohol. —P.G.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Quite tart for a grape that usually is not known for its acidity, this sharp, spicy Syrah is loaded with concentrated cranberry and raspberry fruit. It would be a fine companion to roasted poultry, or pork with some sort of red fruit sauce.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a lovely, solid effort, especially noteworthy for the Rogue Valley, whose Pinots generally don’t show as well as those from the northern Willamette. Clean, crisp and varietal, it displays pure cherry/berry fruit, livened with sassafras and a bit of spice. Balanced and sweet, it conveys a powerful charm. —P.G.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
There is a bit of asparagus/green bean in the nose, often a characteristic of Rogue Valley Merlot, and along with the firm cherry fruit and roasted chocolate is an unmistakable flavor of stem and bean. Apart from that this is a substantial, even muscular wine, well built and flavorful.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Full and enticing aromatics of cherry, vanilla and toasted white bread. Soft in the mouth, it shows some of its southern Oregon roots via mild tannins and lower acidity. Emphasizes body and texture over flavors of apple skins and resiny wood.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Plenty of color and a peppery nose that says Syrah all the way. An unusual style, with nuances of citrus, mint and resin, thick and somewhat ungainly tannins, deep color and yet a thinnish mouthfeel that suggests that the fruit got ripe, but just barely.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Though oak and sawdust get top billing on the nose, briny and herbal notes are also waiting in the wings. The palate shows more berry flavors, plus meaty notes. Cedary-pepper finish underscores our initial “wood-dominated” impressions.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
With its sharp edges and muscular mouthfeel, this Cabernet Franc has the power to stand up to a variety of roasted or toasted foods. The fruit is ripe and supple, with lots of purple berries, plums and cassis. But what is best is the full-bodied finish, whose tannins impart a distinctly varietal green tea character.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Griffin Creek wines are boldly styled, and this intense Cabernet will please fans of high-toned, vibrant reds. Hints of nail polish and tobacco are here, to go with the generous red fruits. A burst of alcoholic heat in the bright, vivacious finish. —P.G.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Just 171 cases were made, in a dense, dark style characterized by roasted, toasty flavors from plenty of barrel time. Some sweet fruit peeks through, with pleasing spice, but the overdone oak and a hint of pickle barrel make for a tannic, rough ride. —P.G.
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