As with the 2011, the 2010 Estate Blend is a perfect introduction into the wines of the estate and will compete with a number of other producer’s top wine. A blend of 56% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre and 7% Tempranillo, it has loads of chocolaty black fruits, licorice, tar, pepper and chalky minerality to go with a great palate. Textured, rich and drinking well beyond most estate’s entry-level offering, with serious depth and focus, it will continue to impress for 5-7 years. Drink now-2018. An estate that continues to go from strength to strength, Epoch is owned by Bill and Liz Armstrong, with the wines made by Jordan Fiorentini. All of their wines come from their estate Paderewski Vineyard, and both their 2010s and 2011s are incredibly strong, with the edge going to the 2010s at the moment. You can’t go wrong here, though, and these are serious, top-flight wines. Tel. (805) 237-2011; www.epochwines.com

Combines richeness with subtlety and finesse, weaving together fresh earth, choclate-covered espresso bean and vivid dark berry flavors with touches of hazelnut, gliiding to a long, graceful finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,699 cases made. – February 28, 2013 (James Laube)

Epoch's 2010 Estate Blend possesses gorgeous inner tension and energy. Dark fruit, licorice and spices flow through to the imposing finish. The Estate Blend is one of the entry-level wines at Epoch, but it has all of the qualitites of the higher-end bottlings, and costs less. This is a great introduction to the Epoch house style. – July 2013 (Antonio Galloni)