Epoch 2018 'Block B" Padrewski Vineyard Syrah, Paso Robles

99 points                                                                           
Epoch Winery is a phenomenal new label from Paso Robles. Limited.

97-99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Also deeply colored, the 2018 Syrah Block B comes from a single parcel in the estate Paderewski Vineyard. It's always a singular wine and has a saturated purple color as well as powerful notes of blackcurrants, black olive, iodine, and ground pepper. This meaty, full-bodied, beautifully concentrated Syrah stays nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a monster of a finish."

96+ Points Robert Parker: "The 2018 Block B Syrah was aged for 19 months in 82% new French oak puncheons and barrels. Deep ruby-purple, it's classy and defined, with aromas of black and blueberry jam, violet, milk chocolate, fried herbs and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate's youthfully concentrated fruits are supported by an abundance of silky tannins and offers notable freshness that lifts the finish. Beautiful now, it will benefit from another 3-5 years in bottle. 636 cases were made."

The proprietors of Epoch, the Armstrong family, have overseen the rebirth of a historic vineyard once owned by the philanthropist and musician, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. This site was dedicated to Zinfandel in the early 1900s. Prohibition put an end to that, but that vineyard is now one of three estate vineyards comprising this 95-acre project. One part of Epoch is near Peachy Canyon, a big chunk of it sits next to the Booker Vineyard, and the rest is on York Mountain. The ambition of the Armstrongs is to produce 100% estate wines, and of the 95 acres, 60 are planted with southern Rhone varietals, and the rest with Tempranillo. Saxum’s Justin Smith, who serves as a consultant, told me that he thinks the micro-climate is slightly warmer than his James Berry vineyard. The first releases, which I tasted, are exceptional, so this looks to be a promising new venture.