Epoch Estate Wines Authenticity Red Rhone Blend 2016

98 points - new release                      Epoch Winery is a phenomenal new label from Paso Robles. Limited. 98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Authenticity checks in as 89% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre that spent 19 months in 70% new French oak. It's always the most powerful, opulent wine in the lineup, and the 2016 is no exception, revealing a deep purple/blue color as well as a heavenly bouquet of black and blue fruits, crushed violets, graphite, liquid rocks, and chocolate. With full-bodied richness, a building sense of meatiness, ample tannins, and a huge finish, it's another magical wine from this estate that needs to be tasted to be believed." 96 Points Robert Parker: "The deep ruby-purple colored 2016 Authenticity is made up of 89% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre. It was made using 28% whole cluster and aged 19 months in 70% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple colored, it gives up a stunning perfume of luscious crème de cassis, mint chocolate, blackberry pie, fresh violet, sweet baking spices, coffee bean, marionerries and blueberries with accents of prosciutto, cracked pepper and olive. The palate is full-bodied and unfurls slowly like a peacock tail into the most gorgeous floral-tinged black fruits and well-tamed savory notions. Silky textured, it has a firm frame of finely grained tannins and astonishing freshness, finishing very long and layered. This is gorgeous! It’s perfectly drinkable now but will reward another 5 years in the cellar. Enjoy it over the next 20+ years. 403 cases produced." 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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