2012 Andremily "No 1" Santa Barbara County Syrah

“The inaugural release, Jim's 2012 No. 1 is about as good a first release as you're likely to find anywhere in the wine world today. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Viognier and 2% Mourvedre (the Syrah and Viognier were cofermented) that spent 25 months in 58% new French oak, it offers extraordinary notes of sweet black fruits, licorice, scorched earth, spring flowers and beautifully integrated oak that only shows as hints of creaminess and vanilla. Weightless, fresh, lively and nicely focused, yet also rockingly full-bodied and layered, with an awesome texture, this is a gorgeous Syrah that's hard to resist now, yet I suspect will continue to knock it out of the park for another decade. Readers looking for the next cult wine need look no further than these latest releases from Sine Qua Non’s right hand man, Jim Binns. These are full-throttle, impeccably balanced wines that make no concessions on texture, flavor or depth. It might already be too late to get on the bandwagon, but don’t let that stop you from trying. (JD)” (08/2015)

“The 2012 No. 1 is rich, exuberant and beautifully layered in the glass, with plenty of dark cherry compote, herbs, smoke, licorice. Silky, polished tannins add to the wine's sensual feel, while a dollop of whole clusters gives the wine striking aromatic lift to balance the opulence of the fruit. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off the 2012, as it is incredibly inviting. There is just a touch of heat on the finish. Otherwise, this is a very strong 2012. The blend is 93% Syrah, 5% Viognier and 2% Mourvèdre, done with 30% whole clusters. The 2012 spent 25 months in French oak, 58% new. (AG)” (08/2015)