Based on 92% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, and 3% Viognier aged 22 months in 60% new French oak, the 2017 No 6 is another killer bottle of wine from Jim Binns, offering incredible richness and depth while staying light, elegant, and graceful. Stunning notes of smoked meat, cassis, black pepper, violets, bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme), and honeysuckle all soar from the glass. These carry to a rich, powerful, perfectly balanced Syrah with awesome tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It builds beautifully with time in the glass and, despite its upfront appeal, my money is on this evolving for upwards of two decades. There are roughly 800 cases produced.

Deep garnet-purple, the nose is already singing at this nascent stage, giving up loads of bright blackberries, crushed red and black plums and mulberries scents with Indian spices, cardamom, Sichuan pepper and dusty soil plus a waft of wild thyme. Full-bodied and firm, with a refreshing line cutting through the densely packed black fruit layers, it has wonderfully ripe, rounded tannins and a long finish.

The 2017 Andremily No. 6 is powerful and dense, but also a bit rough around the edges, but that edginess also adds a certain amount of character. In this vintage, the Syrah shows a bit more of red fruit profile, with floral top notes that add freshness. A wine of intrigue, nuance and power, the 2017 has so much going on.