2014 Epoch Authenticity

Made from 89% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre, the 2014 Authenticity Proprietary Red sports a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums and black cherries with hints of black pepper, dried bay leaves, lavender and olive oil-drizzled toast. Full-bodied, with tons of taut, muscular fruit, the palate is firmly structured with rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long on a lingering earthy note. 517 cases were produced.

Seeing the largest percentage of whole clusters of all the cuvées, the 2014 Authenticity is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre that was fermented with close to 40% stems and brought up in 66% new French oak. Its inky color is followed by a huge, unctuous, seriously decadent red that offers notes of blackberries, creme de cassis, barbecue smoke, white chocolate and spring flowers. With a stacked mid-palate and impressive concentration, as well as sensational purity and notable structure, it's a killer wine. I like it today, but I suspect it will be even better in another year or two. Epoch’s Jordan Fiorentini has knocked it out of the park with these latest 2014s and 2015s, and I suspect these are the most complete, balanced wines from her to date. While the estate is located on York Mountain, all these wines come from their estate Paderewski Vineyard located off of Peachy Canyon road, on the westside of Paso Robles. As I hope the reviews and scores show, these are terrific wines.