2011 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Griffin's Lair
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2011 Syrah Griffin's Lair Vineyard has plenty of depth in its blue and black fruit, but today the element of reduction is overpowering. Savory herbs, olives, graphite, tar and asphalt burst from the glass. There is plenty of intrigue, but the flavors aren't fully focused. If the 2011 finds an additional measure of purity it may merit a higher score in the future. Syrah is often reductive, so it will be interesting to see where this wine goes over the coming 6-12 months, and if the wine comes together more fully.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
(100% whole clusters, all neutral oak and 13.2% alcohol): Dark purple. Intense spice- and floral-accented aromas of black and blue fruit preserves and Asian spices, with a bright mineral nuance gaining power with air. Fresh and incisive, offering vibrant black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a subtle touch of candied violet. Fine-grained tannins build on a long, juicy, penetrating finish that ends on a floral note. (JR)
The 2011 Syrah Griffin’s Lair Vineyard has plenty of depth in its blue and black fruit, but today the element of reduction is overpowering. Savory herbs, olives, graphite, tar and asphalt burst from the glass. There is plenty of intrigue, but the flavors aren’t fully focused. If the 2011 finds an additional measure of purity, it may merit a higher score in the future. Syrah is often reductive, so it will be interesting to see where this wine goes over the coming 6-12 months, and if the wine comes together more fully. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts were in high spirits on the day I saw them, as the San Francisco Chronicle had just named them Winemakers of the Year, well-deserved recognition for this talented duo who have known each other since childhood. As for the wines, well, they were pretty special, as I hope these notes make clear. Meyers and Roberts use a fair bit of whole clusters and shy away from doing too much in the cellar, which means the wines are made with natural yeasts and see minimal handling in the cellar. Tel. (707) 820-1383
More serious, concentrated, and structured, the 2011 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Griffin's Lair is knockout stuff that does everything right. Inky purple in color, with a thrilling array of smoked blackberries, game, liquid mineral, pepper, and wild herbs, it shows the exotic, gamey profile of the vineyard, yet stays gorgeously pure, detailed, and classy in every way. Medium to full-bodied, lively, and energetic, with a pure texture, clean acidity, and masses of chewy tannin, it needs 2-3 years in the cellar, and will thrill for 10-15 years. Gorgeous stuff!