There's incredible depth to this Rhône-forward blend, starting with aromas of dark boysenberry jam wrapped in pie crust, lavender-like flowers and the slightly nutty hint of charred chicken fat. Tannins leap out at first and then smooth into the palate soothingly, carrying dark-cherry, roasted berry and baking-spice flavors as well as a refreshing acidity.

While the estate blend used to function as an entry level cuvée, today it's as good as the other cuvées and well worth seeking out in its own right. Based on 36% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Tempranillo, and the rest Zinfandel and Carignan, the 2017 Estate Blend's vivid purple color is followed by a juicy bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, leafy herbs, chocolate, and a touch of chalky minerality. With medium to full body, a juicy, elegant, balanced texture, and a great finish, it's a great wine to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so. I don't think it will be the longest lived in the lineup, but for the sheer yum factor, it's hard to beat.

Saturated, bright-rimmed ruby. Expressive cherry, dark berry and floral aromas reveal suggestions of licorice, cola and candied flowers as the wine opens up. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and candied violet flavors that flesh out and deepen through the back half. Closes very long and smooth, with harmonious tannins and repeating blue fruit and floral notes. 40% new French oak.

The 2017 Estate Blend is made from all the grape varieties grown on the Epoch estate. It's a blend of 36% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Tempranillo, 8% Zinfandel and 4% Carignan, aged 18 months in 40% new French oak. It has a medium to deep ruby-purple color, and the nose offers pure, pretty rhubarb and blackcurrant fruits with notes of earth and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied and light on its feet, with spicy, fresh fruit character, a ripe frame and long finish. This is fresh and approachable right away. 1,673 cases produced.