Robert Foley Vineyards 2019 'The Griffin' Red, Napa Valley

Robert Foley Vineyards 2019 'The Griffin' Red, Napa Valley

Item Number: 21560

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Napa Valley
Appellation/AVA: Napa Valley
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2019
Grape(s): 57% Syrah / 23% Cabernet Sauvignon / 13% Merlot / 4% Petit Verdot / 3% Petite Sirah
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 15.5
Case Production: 750

Tasting Notes: Like its namesake, this Griffin is a powerful combination of strengths. Ripe black and red berry fruit abound! Full-bodied and mouth-coating, this fine red blend is all about fresh clean fruit with ultra-soft tannins and a long lingering finish. Having just enough grip in the finish makes this a very approachable, versatile, food-friendly red wine.

Winemaking Notes: The Griffin fruit is sourced from vineyards in the valley floor and mountain AVAs. The grapes were manually harvested. Fermentation lasted for ten days, and then the wine aged in French oak barrels.

The Griffin is on the Foley family crest in Irish heraldry and combines the strengths of the lion, king of beasts, with the eagle, king of the skies. A winemaker’s dream is to be artistically free to combine characters into wine that is purely hedonic and non-compliant with varietal regulations, so The Griffin’s blend changes with every vintage.

Reviews

  • Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 93 (12/26/2023)
    Juicy darker fruits, cassis, violets, and some meaty, peppery notes all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, fine tannins, and a terrific mix of both richness and freshness. It's an eclectic blend, but it sure works. It should keep for 7-8 years or more.