2011 Epoch Authenticity
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Tasting notes
Even better, with another notch on the richness scale, the 2011 Authenticity boasts fabulous aromatics of creme de cassis, black raspberry, toasted bread, licorice and crushed flowers to go with a full-bodied, decadent and yet seamless style on the palate. A blend of 66% Syrah, 33% Mourvedre and a splash of Viognier that was harvest at the end of October/early November and aged 17 months in 60% new French oak, it’s already hard to resist, but will evolve gracefully for over a decade. I was blown away by these 2011s from winemaker Jordan Fiorentini, and they showed uncommon depth and richness in the vintage. For the most part, they’re ready to go, yet should evolve gracefully. Moving on to the reds and starting with the 2011s, these showed beautifully from barrel, and didn’t disappoint from bottle. They’re up there with the creme de la creme of the vintage. The 2012s are tighter, with a chewier, savory tannin profile that will be something to watch. They’ll need a year or two in the cellar once released. Tel. (805) 237-2011; www.epochwines.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Authenticity is gorgeous. Silky, voluptuous and layered in the glass, the 2011, is laced with blue and purplish fruit, spices, mint and new leather. Sweet floral and spice notes add lift on the finish. This is a decidedly feminine, gracious wine that impresses for its overall balance.
(66% syrah, 33% mourvedre and 1% viognier; 35% whole clusters and 60% new oak): Highly aromatic scents of blackberry and blueberry liqueur, candied licorice and a hint of potpourri. Enters lush and rich, with surprising freshness and vivacity, offering deeply pitched flavors of cherry-vanilla and dark berry liqueur. Finishes long and sweet, with supple tannins and a floral note clinging tenaciously.
Once again, I find more complexity and greater layers of depth in the 2011 Authenticity than in the Ingenuity, Epoch's other Syrah-based wine from Paderewski. Savory herbs, tobacco, licorice and wild flowers are all woven together beautifully here. With time in the glass, gorgeous notes of raspberry jam, sage and rosemary take on greater prominence. The use of 45% whole clusters works very well here. This is a very pretty wine with plenty of upside potential. In 2011 the blend is 66% Syrah, 33% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier.