The 2019 Epoch Estate Blend is a red proprietary blend from Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, California. Produced by Epoch, this wine combines 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan, and 2% Zinfandel. It has an alcohol content of 15.1% and is sealed with a cork.
Jeb Dunnuck reviewed this wine, awarding it a score of 95. He described it as having "a beautiful bouquet of ripe blue fruits as well as ground pepper, violets, and sappy herbs." He further noted its "medium to full-bodied" nature, highlighting its "terrific sense of elegance, ripe tannins, and a seamless, compelling mouthfeel." Dunnuck concluded that the wine "should evolve nicely for at least 7-8 years," but also emphasized that "there's no need to delay gratification" (jebdunnuck.com, 9/26/2022).
Vinous reviewer Eric Guido gave the wine an excellent score of 97, praising its "dusty rose and raspberry notes" combined with "licorice and white pepper nuances." He described the wine as being "softly textured with brisk minerality," and mentioned its "chalky tannin coasting frames tart wild berry fruits." Guido found the finish to be "grippy and long with cooling mineral tones and red inner florals that echo throughout" (Vinous, 5/1/2023).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded the wine a 97, noting its "opaque ruby-purple" color and aromas of "tar, cigar ash, and graphite" that evolve into "blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry preserves, prosciutto, and violet." The review highlighted its "full-bodied, ripe and concentrated" character, with "pixelated tannins, seamless acidity, and a youthfully coiled finish." The wine is recommended to be cellared for "3-5+ years to unwind" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 12/30/2022).
Wine Enthusiast echoed the high praise with another 97 score, appreciating its "deep, dark and hearty aromas of boysenberry jam, woodspice, mocha, and loam." The palate was described as "extremely textural" and "creamy yet tense with tannins," featuring flavors of "suave cocoa, berry, and graham cracker" balanced by "energized acidity" (Wine Enthusiast, 3/1/2023).
James Suckling was slightly more conservative with a score of 93, but still praised the wine for its "ripe dark berries, toasted spices, dark chocolate, and bark on the nose," as well as its "firm and structured palate with lightly chewy but very fine tannins." He concluded that the wine has a "spicy finish" and is "well-balanced," recommending it be enjoyed now or held for future enjoyment (jamessuckling.com, 10/4/2023).
In summary, the 2019 Epoch Estate Blend is a highly esteemed wine, receiving multiple excellent reviews for its complex aromas, balanced palate, and potential for aging.