2010 Epoch Ingenuity

The 2010 Ingenuity is a knockout effort that checks in as a mix of 62% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache and 12% Petite Sirah that was aged in 61% new French oak. Gorgeous all around, with a lively, yet decadent bouquet of grilled beef, black fruits, licorice, mineral, violets and earth, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, rich texture, notable freshness and a clean, energetic finish. Already delicious and approachable, it nevertheless has the concentration, acidity and tannin to evolve gracefully through 2020. Drink now-2020. 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

Super-ripe black cherries, mocha and spices come together in the 2010 Ingenuity. The 2010 impresses for its mid-palate juiciness and round, layered personality. It is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next few years. The blend is 62% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache and 12% Petite Sirah.

(62% syrah, 14% mourvedre, 12% grenache and 12% petite sirah; 15.7% alcohol): Glass-staining ruby. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, licorice, smoky minerals and spicy oak. Offers concentrated blackberry, boysenberry and vanilla flavors and shows impressive back-end mineral lift. Gentle tannins add shape to the strikingly long, sweet, penetrating finish, with the spicy element carrying through.