2010 Block B
Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles
100% Syrah | Clone 174 | 100% Block B
Fermented in concrete tanks, French oak puncheons and one-ton bins
Aged for 22 months in 56% new French oak
Released Spring 2013 | unfined and unfiltered
314 cases produced
Jeb Dunnuck | 98
Even better, but made in a more fresh, elegant frame, the 2010 Block B is an absolutely thrilling blend of 100% Syrah, aged in 82% new French oak, that comes from a single block of the estate vineyards. Showing gorgeous purity and depth, with clean, fresh aromas of black currants, wet stone like minerality, pepper, spice, and chalk, it is full-bodied, perfectly put together, and balanced, with a blockbuster, structured finish. My favorite of the lineup up and a complete wine, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and will thrill for over a decade. -December 2012 (Jeb Dunnuck)
Rhone Report | 98
Even better, but made in a more fresh, elegant frame, the 2010 Block B is an absoluetly thrilling blend of 100% Syrah, aged in 82% new French oak, that comes from a single block of the estate vineyards. Showing gorgeous purity and depth, with clean, fresh aromas of black currants, wet stone like minerality, pepper, spice, and chalk, it is full-bodied, perfectly put together, and balanced, with a blockbuster, structured finish. My favorite of the lineup up and a complete wine, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and will thrill for over a decade. – (Jeb Dunnuck)
Wine Advocate | 96+
The 2010 Block B is a spectacular Syrah that shows exceptional aromas of licorice-infused black currants, graphite, dark chocolate, meat juice and serious minerality on the nose. Despite the overall size and intensity here, it remains incredibly fresh and delineated. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, this thrilling wine is textured, pure, perfectly balanced and gushes mineral and wet slate like qualities on the finish. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and then drink over the following 15+ years. Drink 2015-2030. – August 2013 (Jeb Dunnuck)
International Wine Report | 96
This 100% Syrah (Clone 174) comes from a single limestone studded block of the Paderewski Vineyard – ‘Block B’. The 2010 brings intoxicating aromas of freshly crushed black fruits, cream de cassis, spices, pepper, chocolate, espresso, beautiful floral and crushed stones. Layers of intense flavors continue to develop as this becomes even more complex the longer it sits in the glass. Remarkable for its concentration and depth, yet wonderfully balanced and focused for such a bold, powerful wine. The fresh dark fruits, spices and chocolate notes leave a long lasting impression as the mouth-coating finish lingers. The Syrah was aged 22 Months in French oak barrels and puncheons, 56% new, and should have no problem continuing to age in bottle for decades. This is a stunning wine from winemaker Jordan Fiorentini and her team at Epoch. Best 2015-2030 – April 2013 (Joe D’Angelo)
Wine Spectator | 93
Bold, ripe, deep and fleshy, with juicy red and black fruits and floral scents, offering flavors of black licorice, spice and pomegranate. This is tightly focused and supported by rich, fine-grained tannins. The flavors sail on through the finish. Drink now through 2023. – Web Only (James Laube)
Vinous | 91
Dark cherries, plums, melted road tar, licorice and smoke literally burst from the glass in the 2010 Block B, 100% Syrah from a block within Paderewski. Rich, full-bodied and voluptuous, the 2010 is a Paso Robles Syrah. The broad shouldered style is all about power. The 2012 was done half in concrete and half in oak. – July 2013 (Antonio Galloni)