Andis Wines is a boutique winery established in 2010 and located in the heart of Amador County. Andis wines come from the Estate Vineyard and other acclaimed vineyards in the Sierra Foothills AVA. Wines are made by Mark Fowler and the consulting team led by Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky. All wines are Estate Produced and Bottled. Painted Hills is the second label from Andis although by no means are the wines of lesser quality.
2021 Painted Fields Cuvee Blanc – Straw colored and 12.5% ABV. Fascinating blend of 40% Vermentino, 25% Chenin Blanc, 25% Semillon and 10% Arinto. Tropical fruits, citrus and fresh cut grass on the nose. Medium body with just the right amount of acidity. Crisp, light and refreshing. Green apple, lemon, pineapple and nutmeg on the palate. Nice length on the finish. This will be delightful on a warm Summer night in the months to come. Best over the next several years. $25 at the winery and retail. My rating: 90 points.
2020 Andis Wines Semillon Bill Dillian Vineyard – Straw colored and 12.7% ABV. Green apple, lemon and grass on the nose. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Apple, peach, Meyer lemon and spice on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Delicious Semillon that just screams to be paired with fish or chicken off the grill this Summer. Best over the next 2-3 years. $25 at the winery and retail. My rating: 91 points.
2019 Andis Wines Barbera – Ruby red in color. 14.5% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, tar, earth and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. Light, crisp and fresh with bright, exuberant fruits.. Cherry, strawberry and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Very charming wine. Definitely an eye opener for CA versions of this varietal. Best over the next 2-4 years. $30 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
2020 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel – Crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. 93% Zinfandel and 7% Barbera. From a number of Sierra Foothills Vineyards including Original Grandpere. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, peach and anise. Medium body with perfect acidity. Bursting with bright, juicy fruits. Strawberry, raspberry and pepper on the palate. Nice length on the finish. Super Zinfandel that is very approachable and the price point is noteworthy. Best over the next 3-5 years. $28 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2020 Painted Hills Curse of Knowledge – Dark crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec. Black fruits, graphite and leather on the nose. Great structure and concentration. Blackberry, currants, cassis liqueur and cocoa on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with fine grained tannins in spades. Really compelling Bordeaux blend from the Sierra Foothills. Best over the next 5-7 years. $30 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
Reviews based on samples provided by the winery.
This was my first go around with Andis and there is much to like here. The Zins were fantastic but the Barbera was the star. I remember drinking some fantastic Barbera from Renwood back in the 90’s so there is no question this varietal has a track record in the Sierra Foothills.
Andis Wines is located in Plymouth, CA and is open daily from 11am to 4:30pm. I’m long overdue on a visit to the Sierra Foothills and Andis will certainly be on my short list of wineries to visit.
Thank you for the great article.
Cheers Lorenzo M.