2017 Syrah Griffin Creek Vineyards
This Southern Oregon Griffin Creek Syrah is one to be appreciated. i.e. It’s not a party wine. While reading Jefferson’s White House by James Conroy, 2019, I opened and poured a full glass. As I read, the thought occurred that President Jefferson would enjoy a glass, also. Thomas Jefferson was our first president to permanently take residency in the White House. Presidents George Washington & John Adams had residency in Philadelphia. When Jefferson arrived, the place was only partially complete and a dump. The book’s author researched how T.J. put his own thumb-print on our current unique structure. DYK: • He laid out Pennsylvania Avenue’s grand approach & it’s parade route; plus, designing the entire city of D.C.? • The Congress hired an American Architect, whom Jefferson didn’t like. So, he brought an Architect from England, whom the Congress didn’t like. White House Construction became a 3-way ongoing feud. • This President did not ride in elaborate carriages, as did Washington & Adams. He rode his favorite gaited horse around town. Wherever he rode, the President greeted every person. • At one point, the entire front entrance of the White House collapsed due to awful construction. • While fighting with Congress over the Jay Treaty, he had a hurtful abscessed tooth, but carried on his Presidential duties. • He commissioned Lewis & Clarke to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. (Jefferson got Congress to authorize buying it from Napoleon for the Port of New Orleans. Owning New Orleans took away the threat of a French invasion.) • These American explorers send collections to the White House from areas explored. Jefferson happily displayed them throughout his White House. • And importantly, T.J. entertained regularly. He held evening dinners for members of Congress, Foreign dignitaries, and even Royalty. Those invited always awaited the serving of his wine. Mr. Jefferson maintained a very large & fine wine cellar. His wines were floated across the Atlantic from France and Spain. The ’17 Syrah fits into the Jeffersonian nostalgia. It’s full body and robust taste would fit into his sections. It’s a full body red with strong legs, a deep red color, plus a genuine cork. Tasting as I read let me find the cherry and blackberry. Later, dark chocolate appeared. Each glass ended with a smooth cedar tannin finish.
