AndremilyEABA 2020

The EABA is more Syrah-dominated and checks in as 65% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and the rest Viognier that saw plenty of stems and close to two years in 50% new French oak. Its inky purple hue is followed by a sensational bouquet of bloody blue fruits, black raspberries, iron, ground pepper, baking spices, and who knows what else. Incredibly complex and nuanced (yet intense) aromatically, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, and a finish that won't quit. It’s certainly one of the biggest, richest wines in the lineup, yet like all of Jim's wines, it remains light on its feet, has brilliant purity of fruit, and is as drinkable as could be.

Eaba (pronounced "ee-buh") means "end all be all," and it is an apt name for this stunning blend of 65% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 3% Viognier, which represents a selection of the best lots of the vintage. It comes from several vineyards in Santa Barbara County (Bien Nacido, White Hawk, Larner and Alta Mesa), plus Andremily's new Slide Hill estate vineyard in Edna Valley. It was vinified using 70% whole clusters and matured for around 22 months in 50% new French barriques. Aged an additional year in bottle before release, winemaker Jim Binns says that beginning with the 2021 vintage, Eaba will also be aged longer in barrel. The 2020 Eaba explodes from the glass with very pure scents of violet, star anise, boysenberry and black cherry complemented by wafts of coffee beans, Castelvetrano olives and currant leaves. The palate is enveloping and luxurious with loads of velvety tannins, highly concentrated perfumed fruit and youthful streaks of new oak spice. It retains plenty of juicy acidity, which balances the wine and highlights its detailed spice and floral accents on the epically long finish. 780 cases and a few magnums were made. With patience, this may reach a "perfect" zenith.

The 2020 EABA (End All Be All) is composed of 65% Syrah, 22% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache, and 3% Viognier, made using 70% whole clusters and aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak barriques. Juicy plums, wild blueberries, and kirsch notes leap from the glass, leading to fragrant wafts of roses, with hints of garrigue, menthol and peonies. The full-bodied palate is lively, firm, and fine grained, as bright and fresh as anything, with a long and lifted finish.