90
points
Griffin Creek 2007 Merlot (Rogue Valley)
-
$30
The scents explode with both dark fruit and dark chocolate, and flavors follow, all wrapped in stiff tannins. A serious effort, this spent 18 months in French oak. It’s a muscular, deep, dark wine, substantial in every way—fruit, tannin and alcohol.
— P.G.
(6/1/2010)
88
points
Griffin Creek 2000 Cabernet Franc (Rogue Valley)
-
$28
The clear scent of root beet along with barrel char works, and so does the ripe palate that’s full of red raspberry and chocolate. If none of that sounds like Cab Franc from the Loire Valley or elsewhere, it’s not. In it’s own right, this is a ripe, full-bodied wine that’s oaky, tannic and big—but also quite clean. And the texture is pure new wave.
— M.S.
(8/1/2003)
88
points
Griffin Creek 1999 Pinot Noir (Rogue Valley)
-
$35
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.
— P.G.
(4/1/2002)