2014 Andremily Syrah No.3

Blended of 89% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre and 3% Viognier using 54% whole cluster and spending around 22 months in French oak (60% new), the 2014 No 3 has a deep purple-black color and nose of blueberry preserves, spiced black berries and cassis with hints of mocha, tilled soil and roasted nuts. Medium to full-bodied, the plush, velvety tannins nicely frame the generous fruit, with great freshness and a good long, spicy finish. 450 cases were made.

Unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage, Jim Binns’ 2014 Andremily No 3 is a blend of 89% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre and 3% Viognier that comes from three great sites in Santa Barbara County: Larner Vineyard, White Hawk and Alta Mesa (Mourvèdre). Tasted twice, this totally profound beauty offers up heavenly notes of crème de cassis, crushed violets, smoked meats, graphite and ample minerality in a full-bodied, expansive, yet pure, elegant and lengthy style. It needs to be forgotten for 2-3 years, and will have 15 years or more of overall longevity. Andremily’s Jim Binns continues to fashion some of the most exciting wines coming out of California today. Jim left Sine Qua Non last year to focus full time on his own label, and is now making his wines in Ventura. The 2014 Andremily No 3 is unquestionably one of the great California Syrahs, and while I think the 2015 are a small step back, it’s not by much. If you get a chance, don’t miss these wines!

The 2014 No.3 opens with striking, captivating aromatics. Ample and beautifully textured on the palate, the 2014 exudes richness yet also retains a terrific sense of energy and precision for such a big wine. Mocha, espresso, plum, graphite, lavender and smoke all open up effortlessly in the glass. This is a fabulous wine with a bright future. The blend is 89% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre and 3% Viognier. Sold in three bottles box set at $249.00 for each pack.