2010 Epoch Veracity Paderewski Vineyard
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The estate’s take on a southern Rhone blend, and a mix of 69% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah and 4% Counoise, the 2010 Veracity is a beauty. Fermented in a combination of concrete and stainless steel, and aged for 18 months in 41% new French oak barrels and puncheons, it offers up a full-bodied, rich, yet structured profile, with sweet black and red fruits, chalk, lavender and subtle herbes de Provence-like aromas and flavors. Beautifully put together, with solid mid-palate depth and a chewy, broad finish that highlights ripe tannin, it will shine for 5-7 years, possibly longer. It needs decanting if drinking anytime soon. Drink 2014-2020. An estate that continues to go from strength to strength, Epoch is owned by Bill and Liz Armstrong, with the wines made by Jordan Fiorentini. All of their wines come from their estate Paderewski Vineyard, and both their 2010s and 2011s are incredibly strong, with the edge going to the 2010s at the moment. You can’t go wrong here, though, and these are serious, top-flight wines. Tel. (805) 237-2011; www.epochwines.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(69% grenache, 23% mourvedre, 4% syrah and 4% counoise; 15.9% alcohol): Dark violet color. Complex, inviting aromas of black raspberry, lavender, licorice and smoky oak. Dense, sweet and seamless, with noteworthy intensity and precision to the flavors of red and dark berries, cracked pepper and Indian spices. Finishes vibrant and very long, with silky tannins and excellent lift.
The 2010 Veracity is gorgeous. This is the first Epoch wine in which the Grenache comes through loud and clear, maybe because part of the fruit was fermented in cement, a vessel that is showing huge potential in allowing the true distinctiveness of Paso Grenache to shine. Flowers, anise and sweet spices add complexity to the fruit in this layered red. Today, the 2010 is a bit tight owing to its recent bottling, but a few more months in bottle will help tremendously. The blend is 69% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah and 4% Counoise, with some lots of Grenache/Mourvèdre and Grenache/Syrah co-ferments.
The estate’s take on a southern Rhône blend and a mix of 69% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah, and 4% Counoise, the 2010 Veracity is a beauty. Fermented in a combination of concrete and stainless steel, and aged for 18 months in 41% new French oak barrels and Puncheons, it offers up a full-bodied, rich, yet structured profile with sweet black and red fruits, chalk, lavender, and subtle Herbs de Provence like aromas and flavors. Beautifully put together, with solid mid-palate depth and a chewy, broad finish that highlights ripe tannin, it will shine for 7-8 years, possibly longer. It needs a decant if drinking anytime soon.