Epoch Estate Wines Estate Blend Red Rhone Blend 2017

 95 points                                                        Epoch Winery is a phenomenal new label from Paso Robles.  Justin Smith of SAXUM is the winemaker - not to be missed while available. 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "While the estate blend used to function as an entry level cuvée, today it's as good as the other cuvées and well worth seeking out in its own right. Based on 36% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Tempranillo, and the rest Zinfandel and Carignan, the 2017 Estate Blend’s vivid purple color is followed by a juicy bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, leafy herbs, chocolate, and a touch of chalky minerality. With medium to full body, a juicy, elegant, balanced texture, and a great finish, it's a great wine to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so. I don't think it will be the longest lived in the lineup, but for the sheer yum factor, it's hard to beat...Superstar winemaker Jordan Fiorentini continues to keep Epoch Estate near the top of the peak in Paso Robles, and these latest 2015s and 2016s are some of the finest wines I’ve tasted from her. These are classic Paso Roble’s Rhône blends that mix the best of California sun and richness with a sense of purity, elegance, and balance. Don’t miss them!" 94 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Saturated, bright-rimmed ruby. Expressive cherry, dark berry and floral aromas reveal suggestions of licorice, cola and candied flowers as the wine opens up. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and candied violet flavors that flesh out and deepen through the back half. Closes very long and smooth, with harmonious tannins and repeating blue fruit and floral notes. 40% new French oak." Robert Parker: "...This was a very impressive tasting with winemaker Jordan Fiorentini and proprietor Bill Armstrong. Epoch's wines succeed in capturing all the power of which western Paso Robles is capable, but for all their structure, extract and ripe fruit, they're beautifully balanced and texturally refined, with new oak very much taking a back seat to the grapes and the vineyards. Fiorentini is clearly passionate and a perfectionist, and I'm sure Epoch is only going to go from strength to strength in coming vintages." A dazzling blend of Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo and Mourvedre .  Located on the west side of Paso Robles, the Paderewski Vineyard is a patchwork of different vineyard blocks matched to their specific soil and climate types. The Epoch 2010 Estate Blend captures that patchwork in a bottle. Predominantly Syrah, but combined with almost every other red variety from the estate, this wine gives a sweeping glimpse of the vineyard and our winemaking practices. As a true field blend, the Estate Blend combines 15 different harvest picks.   56% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre, 7% Tempranillo.  This baby brother to Epoch's Authenticity, Veracity & Ingenuity is a delightful wine that doesn't break the bank.  Five of its siblings all scored between 92 and 96 Points!

Save