2003 Pax Syrah Griffin's Lair
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Lovers of bacon fat, roasted meat juices, herbs, pepper, and spice will enjoy the extroverted, exuberant 2003 Syrah Griffin’s Lair. Superb richness and density along with loads of lard and bacon fat characteristics dominate this complex, aromatic, full-throttle Syrah. It can be drunk now or cellared for 7-8 years. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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(15.5% alcohol; from vines planted on fine sand and gravel) Medium ruby. Rustic, exotic aromas of blackberry, violet, gunflint, cured meats and black pepper; very syrah. Then smoky, pliant and creamy-sweet, with fat fruit given shape by ripe, harmonious acidity. Not quite as tight-grained as the Castelli-Knight, but offers lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and enticing sappy fruit. Conveys a distinctly tiny-berry concentration. Finishes long and ripe. This needs bottling.