It is only fitting that we lay tribute to one of Paso Robles’s great wineries. Many of us were saddened to hear that Hospice du Rhone will be postponed for another year. I was very much looking forward to my pilgrimage down south to try some of the best Rhone style wines the world has to offer. I have long admired Epoch wines based out of Paso Robles. Regardless of vintage, Epoch wines thrive in the warmest and coolest of vintages. I have been particularly impressed how they have navigated the run of very warm vintages which began in 2012 and has continued with their latest releases. The wines are obviously quite dense but have a good degree of tension and freshness.
Superstar winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, has been crafting some incredible wines for Epoch. Her new wines were largely sourced from the warm, 2016 vintage that saw an early harvest. While some wineries suffered damage from heat, Jordan’s wines have good richness but also show excellent poise as well. Her 2016 Epoch ‘Veracity’ Red Wine (WWB, 94) is a blend of mainly Mourvedre and Grenache. It is a stunning rendition with its smoky tones and bright red fruits. Even better is the 2016 Epoch ‘Estate’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) which is an unusual blend of mostly Rhone varietals and has incredible depth and texture. Learn more about these outstanding wines at epochwines.com. Here are the great new wines by Epoch.
2018 Epoch White Wine- A great blend of mostly Grenache Blanc and Viognier, the Epoch White Wine shows lovely starfruit and green apple aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and inviting, showing a beautiful texture and a long finish. The minerals and lovely ripe pear and cantaloupe flavors accentuate this brilliant new bottling. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2018 Epoch Rose- The 2018 Rose by Epoch is a compelling blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah all sourced from the Willow Creek District of the Paso Robles AVA. On the nose this offers inviting cran-pomegranate, damp earth and red cherry candy aromas that build steam in the glass. The palate reveals a wonderfully plus texture with a vibrant sense of minerality. Bright red fruits dance with melon and citrus rind undertones on the palate. While delightful now this beautifully textured new Rose will provide drinking enjoyment for the next seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2016 Epoch ‘Ingenuity’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Ingenuity’ is a compelling blend of mostly Syrah (54%) with smaller portions Petit Sirah, Mourvedre and Grenache. The highly perfumed nose of red rose petals and lavender aptly collide with shades of orange zest and black currants that all take their shape in the glass. The palate has great verve and weight, with a silky mouthfeel. Rich creme de cassis, blackberry cobbler, tar and espresso bean flavors mingle with the bright sense of minerality. Showing great weight and finesse, the 2016 ‘Ingenuity’ will cellar well for the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 93
2016 Epoch ‘Veracity’ Red Wine- The ‘Veracity’ by Epoch and superstar winemaker Jordan Fiorentini is a great blend of Mourvedre (51%) with Grenache (36%) and Syrah (13%). On the nose this takes on a wonderful bouquet of red currants that mingle with red cherry candy, smoked brisket and suggestions of creosote that come together. The palate is plush and bright, showing a good sense of viscosity and minerality. Dense dark and red fruits collide with suggestions of Turkish coffee and smoky undertones. Fantastic in its youth, the 2016 Epoch ‘Veracity’ Red Wine will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 94
2016 Epoch ‘Estate Blend’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Estate Blend’ combines mainly Syrah (58%) with smaller portions of Mourvedre, Grenache and Tempranillo. Highly fragrant in the glass, the wine delivers white pepper and blackberry cobbler aromatics that mingle with shades of bacon fat and cigar box that all combine seamlessly. Once on the mouth, the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Dense red and dark fruits mingle with chocolate cake, leather and shades of clove crusted smoked pork belly. Delightful now, the 2016 ‘Estate Blend’ impresses with its serious range and texture. It’ll be sensational to enjoy for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 95