A blend of 65% Syrah 12% Petite Sirah 12% Mourvedre 7% Grenache and 4% Zinfandel the 2009 Epoch Estate Wines Ingenuity Paderewski Vineyard is utterly captivating stuff. Possessing an inky purple color it exhibits a complex decadent array of smoky black fruits underbrush bramble charred beef and chocolate to go with a full-bodied hedonistic palate that manages to exude fruit and texture while at the same time holding on to a sense of elegance poise and class. This brilliant blend has solid concentration ripe tannin and a very well done classically styled and tannic finish. It needs plenty of air to show at its best and should age effortlessly for 10-12 years.

The 2009 Ingenuity flows from the glass with gorgeous texture in its dark plums licorice flowers and French oak. It is an impressive wine endowed with gorgeous purity in its fruit and a striking opulent personality. In 2009 the blend is 65% Syrah 12% Petite Sirah 12% Mourvedre 7% Grenache and 4% Zinfandel but it is the Syrah character that speaks most loudly. I especially like the textural richness and volume here. The wine was fermented in concrete stainless steel tanks and new French oak barrels and spent 22 months in French oak 42% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

Refreshing pure ripe and lively with snappy blackberry and wild berry mineral cedar and sage notes firming nicely on the finish where the tannins make a chewy presence. Syrah Petite Sirah Mourvèdre Grenache and Zinfandel. Drink now through 2022. -JL