2018 Andremily EABA

EABA (an acronym for End All Be All) is Andremily's relatively new Rhone blend label. The 2018 EABA is a blend of 59% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache and 3% Viognier, coming from Bien Nacido vineyard (Santa Maria), White Hawk vineyard (Cat Canyon), Alta Mesa vineyard (Santa Barbara County), Larner vineyard (Ballard Canyon) and Harrison-Clarke vineyard (Ballard Canyon). The wine was vinified using 60% whole cluster and aged for around 22 months in 50% new French oak barrique and 50% used French barrique. The alcohol is 15.3%. Deep purple-black, the nose opens with boisterous, rip-snorting scents of plum preserves, blackberry pie, licorice and wild sage, giving way to underlying nuances of candied violets, espresso and charcuterie. The full-on, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with decadent black and blue fruit preserves layers, framed by bright acidity and beautifully plush tannins, finishing long and spicy. Yum!

The 2018 Eaba is another wine from Jim that puts its foot firmly on the ripeness pedal and offers a blockbuster-like style of ripe black fruits, wood smoke, cured meats, and peppery goodness. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it’s flawlessly balanced, has gorgeous tannins, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 10-12 years or so. The 2018 is 59% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache, and the rest Viognier, aged 22 months in 50% new French oak.