Stone Griffon Vineyard
Terry came through Oregon in the mid 70’s and fell in love with the area. Himself and Carol purchased their Carlton home in 1994. After retiring in 2001 from construction management, he started volunteering with several area winemakers. For 8 years, he worked hard and learned the industry, starting as a “cellar rat” and eventually becoming a winemaker. He had been interested in winemaking since his early 20’s and learned the trade from “the good ole boys” thus creating his own very hands-on, artistic style.
While anticipating that first harvest and building their label, Terry and Carol purchased fruit from Spofford Station in the Walla Walla AVA, producing Merlot and Syrah. The first official release of the Stone Griffon labels were the 2008 Merlot, 2012 Carol Jean Estate Reserve Pinot Noir and the 2012 Tempranillo. Every wine received rave reviews and they knew they were on their way to something special.
There is a mascot of the Stone Griffon label in the Tasting Room. It is a cement statue that was purchased on a hunting trip to South Dakota. Carol immediately knew she had to have it after seeing it, being the seal of her Alma Mater, Reed College, in Portland. A friend helped come up with the name at a ‘Name the Baby’ party when he saw the statue. The image on the label was drawn by Carol when she was in high school.
Stone Griffon is known for it’s distinctive bold estate pinots and spicy tempranillos, plus syrahs and merlots sourced from Walla Walla Valley. The Carménère is a luscious ruby wine tantalizes with opening aromas of sour cherry, green pepper corn and raspberry sauce. It then delivers on its promise with flavors of plum, blueberry and smoked paprika. It finishes with pomegranate, cocoa powder and cherry pie crust. This is fabulous to drink on its own, but pairs well with any meal.
The 2018 Merlot, sensual dark wine revealing aromas of chocolate box, whole star anise, crushed violets, then provides flavors of loganberry, blackberry anise and cocoa powder. Long lingering finish. As for the Petit Verdot, aromas of black fruits, mint, cumin, sage and lilac, flavors of blackberry, violet, mint, mace, paprika and a spicy Mexican vanilla finish. This is a dry, full bodied wine with an elegant profile, fresh acidity, fine grain tannin and persistent length.
