Epoch Estate Blend Paso Robles 2015

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: “What used to be the entry-level effort of the estate, the 2015 Estate Blend is year in, year out at an incredible quality level that it’s hard to think of the wine those terms. The 2015 is 52% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre, 13% Grenache, and the rest Tempranillo and Zinfandel, all from the Paderewski and Catapult vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles. It offers a terrific bouquet of black plums, ground pepper, charred meats and charcoal. Full-bodied, smoky, meaty, and rich, it stays light and graceful on the palate, with sweet tannins. I’d happily drink bottles anytime over the coming 7-8 years. Drink: 2018-2026. (11/29/18)”

94 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): “(fermented in a combination of concrete, stainless steel and upright oak casks and aged for 19 months in French oak barrels of varying size, 48% of them new) Inky purple. Cassis, dark chocolate, licorice and espresso qualities on the deeply perfumed nose. Round and weighty on the palate, offering sweet dark fruit liqueur, mocha and cola flavors complicated by building floral and spice nuances. Shows impressive energy and lively cut for its brawn, and finishes very long and chewy, with building tannins and a strong whiplash of dark berry fruit. Drink: 2024-2034. (Sep 2018)”

93 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): “Epoch’s entry-level red, the 2015 Estate Blend reveals aromas of ripe blackberries, currant leaf, cracked black pepper and subtle grilled meat. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a multidimensional mid-palate, good energy and a savory finish. Drink: 2018-2028. (May 2018)”