Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Andremily No.6, is cut from the same cloth as previous wines in the sequence, but perhaps just a touch better. Andremily No.6 is a blend of 92% Syrah, from White Hawk, Larner, Harrison-Clarke, and Watch Hill Vineyards, coupled with 5% Mourvedre, from Alta Mesa, and finished off with just a dab of Viognier. Andremily No.6 is an incredible sexy, rich and full-bodied elixir, that leaps from the glass. Offering bushels of black and blue fruit, scorched earth, and exotic spice. No.6 has a wonderful texture with fine tannins, and plenty of natural acidity to deliver great lift.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.