2016 Epoch Sensibility
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Sensibility from the Paderewski vineyard is made from 97% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre, harvested September 15-21 and matured for 18 months. Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini says no whole cluster was used this year, and that the wine fermented and aged partially in concrete. "If the tannins are already very supple, I know I can use more concrete," she notes. "It helps keep the wine in that primary zone." The technique resulted in a vibrant expression, with lush red and blue fruits accented by blood orange, rose petals and tobacco. Medium-bodied, the palate is ripe and supple with a long, juicy finish. Its nuances haven't begun to blossom, and this deserves several more years in bottle. 489 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Deep, glistening ruby. An assertively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe cherry, red berry preserves incense and exotic spices and a sexy floral topnote builds dramatically as the wine opens up. Stains the palate with alluringly sweet Chambord, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that convey a compelling blend of richness and energy. Velvety, even tannins build steadily through an extremely long, spicy finish that leaves sappy red fruit, baking spice and smoky mineral notes behind. (raised in neutral French oak puncheons and tulip-shaped concrete tanks)
Coming all from the estate Paderewski Vineyard, the 2016 Sensibility (97% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre) has a medium ruby color as well as a brilliant bouquet of blackberries, ground herbs, spice box, and herbes de Provence. With plenty of upfront charm, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a great finish, it's beautifully done and ranks with the finest Grenache in the vintage.