97pts Wine Enthusiast

This blend of 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan and 2% Zinfandel shows how a sum can be much greater than its parts. Deep, dark and hearty aromas of boysenberry jam, woodspice, mocha and loam lead into an extremely textural palate that's creamy yet tense with tannins. Suave cocoa, berry and graham cracker flavors ride an energized acidity.

97pts Vinous

Dusty rose and raspberry notes combine with licorice and white pepper nuances as the 2019 Estate Blend blossoms in the glass. It's softly textured with brisk minerality. A chalky tannin coasting frames tart wild berry fruits. It finishes grippy and long with cooling mineral tones and red inner florals that echo throughout. This dark and radiant beauty blends 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan and 2% Zinfandel. 

97pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Estate Blend is comprised of 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan and 2% Zinfandel, matured for 19 months in 31% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, tones of tar, cigar ash and graphite give way over time to blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry preserves, prosciutto and violet. Full-bodied, ripe and concentrated, it offers pixelated tannins, seamless acidity and a youthfully coiled finish. It deserves 3-5+ years in the cellar to unwind.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Estate Blend checks in as 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, and the rest Graciano, Carignan, and Zinfandel. It has a beautiful bouquet of ripe blue fruits as well as ground pepper, violets, and sappy herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a terrific sense of elegance, ripe tannins, and a seamless, compelling mouthfeel that makes it a joy to drink. Count me in as a big fan. It should evolve nicely for at least 7-8 years, although there's no need to delay gratification.

93pts James Suckling

Ripe dark berries, toasted spices, dark chocolate and bark on the nose. A little earthy, too. Firm and structured palate with lightly chewy but very fine tannins. Spicy finish. Well-balanced. A blend of 51% syrah, 17% mourvedre, 14% grenache, 7% tempranillo, 6% graciano, 3% carignan and 2% zinfandel. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Notes

Seriously dark and brooding on the nose, this complex, tightly-wound wine unfolds over time in your glass, revealing layers of dark cherry, pomegranate, roasted chantarelles, dark earth, black licorice, roasted red meats with herbs, and graphite. Red rose petals, barrel spice, and tobacco are present throughout and linger on the finish.
The 2019 Estate Blend’s hallmark beefy texture overlays the flowing flavors as big structure sets in on the back palate and delivers a message that several to many years of cellar age will yield high returns when corks are pulled in the future.

Blend: 51% Syrah, 17% MourvEdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan, 2% Zinfandel

About the Winery

Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small-production wines with abundant personalities. Under the careful care of Winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch is committed to producing world-class wines from Rhône, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their three west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. Epoch’s Tasting Room and Winery are located on the storied York Mountain which was once home to the first bonded winery on the central coast. Preserving the rich history found on this property as well as Paderewski Vineyard, a sight once owned and cherished by the late Polish Prime Minister and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Epoch strives to carry on these legacies through their wines and the unique Epoch experience.
Through carefully managed, non-invasive farming, Epoch aims to bring the complex character of their vineyards into each bottle of wine they craft. All of Epoch's fruit comes from their three specific and unique sites: Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain Vineyards.