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Epoch Estate Wines Authenticity Red Rhone Blend 2013
97 points - new release Epoch Winery is a phenomenal new label from Paso Robles. Justin Smith of SAXUM is the winemaker - not to be missed while still available. 97 Points Robert Parker: "Moving to the 2013s, these are up there with the creme de la creme from Paso Robles. The 2013 Authenticity Proprietary Red (82% Syrah and 18% Mourvedre) is 100% Paderewski Vineyard and saw 57% whole cluster before spending 17 months in just over 50% new French oak barrels and puncheons. Its deep ruby/purple, opaque color is followed by rockin' notes of smoked meats, currants, cracked pepper and chalky minerality. Big, rich and layered on the palate, with a seamless texture and building structure, it's nevertheless already hard to resist. It should keep for a decade, but I see no need to hold off either." 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.
Ratings on Delectable
Shay A 
Love what Epoch is doing at the estate, and have always been a fan of the wines. This 2013 is 82 Syrah/18 Mourvèdre, all from Paderewski vineyard. Followed over two days. From start to finish, everything about this is Paso. Any time a wine can speak to place, that’s a checkmark for me. As most high quality Paso wines do, this has a weightless yet jam-packed fruit profile. Decidedly dark, but with 11yrs, it’s fading from black fruits to a kiss of red fruits. Mixed berry jam initially on the nose before it shows a spiced profile of cherry jerky, espresso, red and black currant and a sweet dark fig at the finish. Day 1 showed the spice upfront whereas day 2 showed the softened fig profile. Both enjoyable, just different. Enjoy over the next few years before this sheds its classical fruit.
Love what Epoch is doing at the estate, and have always been a fan of the wines. This 2013 is 82 Syrah/18 Mourvèdre, all from Paderewski vineyard. Followed over two days. From start to finish, everything about this is Paso. Any time a wine can speak to place, that’s a checkmark for me. As most high quality Paso wines do, this has a weightless yet jam-packed fruit profile. Decidedly dark, but with 11yrs, it’s fading from black fruits to a kiss of red fruits. Mixed berry jam initially on the nose before it shows a spiced profile of cherry jerky, espresso, red and black currant and a sweet dark fig at the finish. Day 1 showed the spice upfront whereas day 2 showed the softened fig profile. Both enjoyable, just different. Enjoy over the next few years before this sheds its classical fruit.
9.3
Simon Weston
Inky red/purple color. Nose of blackberry & roast lamb. Heavy fortified cherry and plum to taste with a cedar & leather finish.
Inky red/purple color. Nose of blackberry & roast lamb. Heavy fortified cherry and plum to taste with a cedar & leather finish.
9.0Simon Weston
My first Authenticity, inky reddish purple color like the Ingenuity but this one is drier with heavier tannins and acidity. Lovely plum and blackcurrant nose. Similar notes on the palate but even with several hours to breathe I still think it needs more time or some more years in the cellar.
My first Authenticity, inky reddish purple color like the Ingenuity but this one is drier with heavier tannins and acidity. Lovely plum and blackcurrant nose. Similar notes on the palate but even with several hours to breathe I still think it needs more time or some more years in the cellar.
9.0
Michael Park
Awesome as usual. This is the next Saxum
Awesome as usual. This is the next Saxum
9.2
Steve Wilcox
2013 big dark fruit, complex with long gorgeous finish
2013 big dark fruit, complex with long gorgeous finish
9.4
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