2011 TOP 25 - Rank #11
Our number 11 wine gets their name from vineyards planted along "wind gaps". These geological breaks in the costal hills funnel wind inland and strongly influence the growing and ripening of their grapes. The 2009 Griffins Lair Syrah is very "Rhone-like", with lots of ripe plum, blackberry, raspberry, olive and smoke backed by fresh pepper and salty mineral. Very expressive and muscular, the tannins are well-rounded and the layers of fruit are rich, deep and layered. This will be better in 5 years but this is so good why wait.