The 2009 Block B (Syrah) comes across as remarkably primary. There is considerable minerality keeping all of the elements focused in this delineated, classy wine. The fruit shows tons of depth all the way through to the dramatic, explosive finish. This is another dazzling wine from Epoch. The Block B is a single parcel of Syrah from the Paderewski vineyard that spent 22 months in French barrels, 43% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. -AG

 

Firm, tight and spicy, with a subtle earthy edge to the dried berry flavors. Full-bodied and offering a touch of mocha, it firms and dries on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 182 cases made. –JL
 

Profound stuff, the 2009 Epoch Estate Wines Syrah Block B Paderewski Vineyard, from a cooler, north-east facing slope of limestone soils, is 100% Syrah that‟s aged for 23 months in 43% new French oak barrels and puncheons. Boasting phenomenal aromas of black and blue fruits, black pepper, licorice, grilled meats, and charcoal, this stunning Syrah is full-bodied and the most rich, decadent, and concentrated of the '09s. Impeccably balanced, structured, and with awesome concentration, this maintains superb definition and clarity on the palate, while staying light, fresh, and very easy drinking. Bottles should be given 2-3 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following 12-15 years. -JD

 

(100% syrah, aged in 43% new French puncheons, which measure roughly 320 liters, as opposed to a barrique's 225 liters; 15.9% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Pungent aromas of cassis and blueberry, with slow-building smokiness and notes of dark chocolate and cracked pepper. Rich and broad-shouldered, with densely packed dark berry and bitter cherry flavors given spine by zesty acidity. Opens slowly with air to show a sexy floral quality, which lingers on the long, sappy, smoke-accented finish. This is still a baby. -ST

The 2008 Block B, from an eastern-facing rocky slope on Paderewski, emerges from the glass with a wonderfully nuanced, floral bouquet that suggests the presence of white grapes, even though it is 100% Syrah. This is a beautifully pointed, focused wine graced with exquisite tannins and a layered, beautifully articulated finish. It is another first-class effort. The Block B was fermented in new French oak puncheons and spent 22 months in one-year old barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. -AG

An extraordinary wine that serves up a gorgeous mix of dark berry fruit that's sleek, focused, intense and supple-textured. Full-bodied, unleashing tiers of blackberry and wild berry fruit, with floral scents and an amazingly long, detailed finish. Drink now through 2024. 181 cases made. –JL

 

Simply a stunning, full-bore wine, the 2008 Epoch Estate Wines Syrah Block B, 100% Syrah from limestone soils, aged for 22 months in French oak (once-filled), displays blockbuster aromatics of crème de cassis and smoky blackberry fruits, underbrush, graphite, pepper, and chocolate. While ripe and hedonistic, it stays classy and elegant, carrying full bodied power balanced by a beautifully pure, silky texture, perfect balance, and a long, rich, heady, and mineral laced finish. This seamless, beautifully done Syrah should drink well for 8 to 10 years. -JD

  

($55; 100% syrah) Opaque ruby. Exotic, high-toned aromas of raspberry, blackberry, cola, violet and incense, with an intense mineral quality that gains strength with air. Sappy, palate-staining dark fruit preserve flavors are lifted by a sexy floral pastille quality and are given snap by juicy acidity. Pure and energetic, with excellent finishing clarity and lingering sweetness. -ST