Winemaker Notes
The Andremily No.5 is a wildly stunning concoction made up of 91% Syrah from our usual sources, coupled with a bit of fruit from the Harrison-Clark Vineyard. This mouthwatering blend includes 6% Mourvedre, and is finished off with a pinch of Viognier to send the aromatics of this beauty into the stratosphere. The 2016 Andremily No.5 bursts from the glass with a nose full of Violets, Blackberry, Chocolate, and exotic spice. No.5 is full figured, yet structured and refined, having enjoyed 22 months in 70% New French Barrique, and bottled without fining or filtration.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Based on 91% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, and the rest Viognier, fermented with 40% stems, all raised 22 months in 60% new French, the inky colored 2016 No 5 gives up a gorgeous bouquet of blackcurrants, olives, scorched earth, camphor, and ground pepper. Deep, rich, incredibly powerful, yet also pure, balanced, and seamless, with good acidity, it builds on the palate, has no hard edges, and delivers a blockbuster finish. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades.
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.