2012 Epoch Ingenuity

Saturated ruby-violet color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark berries, incense, cola and smoky minerals. In a rich, weighty style but in no way short on energy, with its intense cassis and blackberry flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Smooths out and gains sweetness on a long, gently tannic finish that leaves notes of dark berry preserves and violet behind.

Another blockbuster, the 2012 Ingenuity Proprietary Red is comprised of 58% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, 14% Grenache and 10% Petite Sirah that was fermented in concrete and stainless steel before spending 18 months in 40% new French oak. Ripe, voluptuous and textured, with beautifully managed tannic grip, it offers lots of black fruits, smoke, licorice, chocolate and hints of spice on the nose, with some saline minerality on the finish. Coming 80% from the Paderewski vineyard and 20% from Catapult Vineyard, it's a killer Paso red to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.

58% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 10% Petite Sirah. Notes of chocolate, fig and blackberry. Snug palate right now. Persistent, mouth-watering acidity. Lots of concentration on the palate. Dusty, angular tannins. Will benefit from time in bottle. Still about two years away from release. (ECB)