2011 Ingenuity
Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles
55% Syrah | 17% Grenache | 15% Mourvèdre | 13% Petite Sirah
Fermented in concrete and stainless steel tanks, French oak puncheons, and one-ton bins
Aged 17 months in 45% new French oak
974 cases produced | unfined and unfiltered
Wine Advocate | 95
The 2011 Ingenuity is 55% Syrah, 17% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and the balance Petite Sirah. Aged in barrels and puncheons, it offers a gorgeous, seamless, layered and full-bodied style to go with notes of black raspberry, chocolate, spice-box and hints of pepper. I love the overall purity here, and it’s incredibly silky and polished on the palate, with fine tannin. Enjoy this beauty over the coming 7-8 years. – August 2014 (Jeb Dunnuck)
International Wine Report | 93+
It has a dark inky color with intense aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, Asian spices, pepper, black olives, lavender and smoky mesquite notes. This is rich, powerful and concentrated, yet there is underlying acidity which provides a sense of vibrancy to the wine. The finish is layered and polished, leaving a generous coating of delicious dark fruits and spices. While this is approachable upon release it is sure to age well for those willing to wait. (Best 2015-2026) – April, 2014 (Joe D’Angelo)
Vinous | 93
Dark purple. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented aromas of black and blue fruits and potpourri, with a suggestion of incense building with air. Lush and expansive in the mouth, offering deeply pitched but lively cassis and mulberry flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. The spice and floral notes come back strong on the finish, framed by smooth, harmonious tannins. – November 2013 (Josh Raynolds)
Wine Enthusiast | 93 & Cellar Selection
It’s another inky Rhône monster with aging potential from Epoch and their historic Paderewski Vineyard. This Syrah-led blend throws off inviting aromas of black cherry pie, violet, fennel and balsamic vinegar reduction. Once sipped, layers of flavor emerge steadily, with blackberry fruit roll-up, wet pipe tobacco, candied nuts, lingering herbs and a slight vanilla finish. Serve with osso buco or otherwise roasted pork. – September 2014 (Matt Kettmann)
Wine Spectator | 92
Delivers a graceful, harmonious mix of dark berry, cedar, raspberry and licorice flavors, supple in texture and lingering on the finish, gaining depth and nuance. Drink now through 2022. – April 2014 (James Laube)
Aspen Times
A SGM – Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend witha bit of Petite Sirah for good measure – this dark beauty is racy with solid acid and hints of spice and soil… Epoch is a name to remember as you head for the coast. – December 2014 (Kelly Hayes)