the pinot noir
Griffin's Lair Vineyard's first, very small, harvest was in 2001, from the benchgrafted clones 667 and 115. Dave Lattin of Craven-Lattin Wines produced a vineyard designate from the 667; the 115 went to Gary Farrell, who bottled a portion as a vineyard designate. In 2002, the field-grafted Swan and Pommard blocks yielded their first harvest, and we were on our way! Ten years later, here are the wineries we partner with:
Click images to enlarge.
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Kosta-Browne is one of the best, and best-known, producers of pinot noir. Their goal is “flavorful, intense wines,” and their commitment is “to guide each vineyard to its optimum flavor potential.” Since that is also our goal, we look forward to working with Michael Browne, Shane Finley, and vineyard consultant Greg Bjornstadt, to make wine in the vineyard. www.kostabrowne.com |
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Longfellow: a small program by two Bay Area residents, formerly from Maryland, with Rolando Herrera (Mi Sueno Wines) as their winemaker. The Longfellow pinot noir, featuring a lusty combination of our 667 and Pommard, has been produced since 2003. www.longfellowwines.com |
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Loxton Cellars: What's an Australian physicist doing making wine in California? Chris grew up on his family's vineyard in the Barossa Valley; eventually he found physics too "dry" a subject and came full circle! Syrah is Chris Loxton’s specialty, but he also makes beautiful pinot noir (first release in 2012?) www.loxtonwines.com. |
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Renteria: Renteria is a well-known name in the Napa Valley. Now, with Karen Culler as wine-maker, we can’t wait to try their first vintage of Griffin’s Lair pinot.www.renteriawines.com |
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Wind Gap Wines: For more than a decade we’ve worked with Pax and Pam Mahle, supplying grapes for their extraordinary syrahs. Now Pax turns his magic touch to pinot noir. Blending Swan and Pommard from the top of the hill, his interpretation is elegant, low-alcohol and food friendly. www.windgapwines.com |
