2022 Epoch Syrah Block B
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Inky purple-hued, the 2022 Syrah Block B offers smoked meat, lavender, plums, blackberries, and ground pepper. All from a single block in the Paderewski Vineyard, it shows remarkable purity, full-bodied richness, a layered, lush, yet still mineral-drenched texture, and a blockbuster finish. Aged 17 months in 60% new French oak mid-sized barrels, give it a year or two and enjoy over the following decade. Drink 2026-2036. Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini continues to keep Epoch Estate at the top of the hierarchy in Paso Robles. She makes a bevy of wines, all of which are from their estate Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain vineyards. While the 2022s clearly rank with the top wines of the vintage, I think her 2023s might be even better. Readers can’t go wrong with any of these, and Jordan’s wines always shine for their purity, vibrancy, and balance while staying true to Paso Robles with ripe, sexy levels of fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Aged 17 months in 60% new French oak, the 2022 Block B hails from the Paderweski Vineyard and exudes Syrah's more iron-tinged, floral side than the umami-driven York Mountain bottling. The nose is fresh, high-toned and energetic, notwithstanding the dark-fruited undercurrent swirling beneath. Rich and saturated on the palate, its savory side comes out on the finish, with a plush, decadent, forward conclusion that remains impressively poised. Its new oak élevage is reasonably evident on the finish, wrapping the wine on a polished note that is welcome in this vintage.
The 2022 Syrah Block B is dusty in character, with a bouquet of dried flowers, incense, gravel dust and citrus-laced blackberries. Playful and juicy in style, it splashes across the palate with ripe wild berry fruit and a collage of baking spice. Staining, structured and long, it offers a saturation of primary concentration and fine tannins that resonate.