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.

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