2014 Epoch Estate Blend

Inky ruby. Deep-pitched black and blue fruits on the nose, joined in the glass by cracked pepper and floral elements. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering juicy blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors that show building sweetness and a touch of licorice on the back half. Rich yet energetic, delivering strong closing thrust and velvety tannins that harmonize smoothly with the energetic fruit.

Made from 36% Syrah, 36% Mourvèdre, 22% Grenache and the balance Tempranillo, fermented in concrete and aged in 31% new French oak, the 2014 Estate Blend comes from the Paderewski and Catapult Vineyard. As you’d expect with the name, it’s a perfect introduction into the wines of this estate. Notes of blackberries, toasted spice, cedar, and dried garrigue all emerge from this soft, deductive, beautifully textured red that has loads of charm and character. It’s certainly the most approachable of the 2014s, yet is going to evolve just fine given its balance and purity. Epoch’s Jordan Fiorentini has knocked it out of the park with these latest 2014s and 2015s, and I suspect these are the most complete, balanced wines from her to date. While the estate is located on York Mountain, all these wines come from their estate Paderewski Vineyard located off of Peachy Canyon road, on the westside of Paso Robles. As I hope the reviews and scores show, these are terrific wines.