Epoch Estate Wines Ingenuity Red Rhone Blend 2014

96 points - limited                                      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 Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2014 Ingenuity checks in as 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and the balance Petite Sirah brought up in 36% new French oak barrels and puncheons. This is a big, rich, meaty Paso red that offers full-flavored notes of plums, blackberries, violets and hints of white chocolate, full-bodied richness, ripe tannin and a big finish. I love its purity, and this puppy is just loaded with fruit, texture and charm." 94 Points Robert Parker:  "Produced from 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 7% Petit Sirah, the 2014 Ingenuity Proprietary Red has a deep garnet-purple color and alluring nose of licorice, dark chocolate-covered cherries and charcuterie with a hint of Provence herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated and with an approachable frame of ripe, rounded tannins, it has lovely spice, black fruit layers and great length. 1,609 cases were made. September, 2017." 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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