Tasting Notes
The Wine Independent 97-99
The 2020 Andremily No 9 is composed 89% Syrah, 9% Mourvedre and 2% Viognier, made with 50% whole clusters. It spent 22 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. The wine was still in barrel when I tasted it, due to be bottled in a few weeks. Very deep purple-black colored, it struts out with sassy notes of juicy black plums, boysenberry preserves, and fruit cake with hints of coffee beans, charcoal, and garrigue, plus a touch of black pepper. Full-bodied, the palate is vibrant and plush, featuring a firm backbone of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and layered. The vineyard sources this year were Slide Hill (Edna Valley), White Hawk (Cat Canyon), Larner (Ballard Canyon), Harrison-Clarke (Ballard Canyon), Kimsey, and Alta Mesa (Santa Barbara County). 850 cases are due to be made.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045
Jeb Dunnuck 97-99
A blend of 89% Syrah, 9% Mourvedre, and 2% Viognier, the 2020 No 9 was 50% destemmed and will see 22 months in 65% new French oak. Full-bodied and powerful, with lots of chocolaty black fruits, ground pepper, and assorted meatiness, it hits the palate with a ripe, lush texture, solid tannins, and a great finish.
