Epoch Estate Wines Authenticity Red Rhone Blend 2012

Epoch Winery is a phenomenal new label from Paso Robles.  Justin Smith of SAXUM is the winemaker - not to be missed while still available.95 Points Robert Parker:  "Looking at the 2012s that were still in barrel at the time of this tasting, the 2012 Authenticity should be another great vintage for this cuvee. Possessing deep, rich and ripe aromas of smoked plums, black raspberry, earth, licorice and dried chocolate, it has full-bodied richness and depth to go with a savory, chewy, structured style. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and have a decade of longevity."The proprietors of Epoch, the Armstrong family, have overseen the rebirth of a historic vineyard once owned by the philanthropist and musician, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. This site was dedicated to Zinfandel in the early 1900s. Prohibition put an end to that, but that vineyard is now one of three estate vineyards comprising this 95-acre project. One part of Epoch is near Peachy Canyon, a big chunk of it sits next to the Booker Vineyard, and the rest is on York Mountain. The ambition of the Armstrongs is to produce 100% estate wines, and of the 95 acres, 60 are planted with southern Rhone varietals, and the rest with Tempranillo. Saxum’s Justin Smith, who serves as a consultant, told me that he thinks the micro-climate is slightly warmer than his James Berry vineyard. The first releases, which I tasted, are exceptional, so this looks to be a promising new venture.

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