Epoch Estate Wines Channel Limestone, Legacy and Lift

Hidden by ancient trees and nestled into the York Mountain AVA on California’s Central Coast is Epoch Estate Wines. On a glorious afternoon, my husband and I drove the short distance from our home in Paso Robles to Epoch where we were hosted by Becky Butz, Marketing Director, and Jordan Fiorentini, Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards, during a curated tasting of award winning wines and lively conversation.

Epoch Estate Wines Honors the Legacy of the Region

Owners and Vintners, Liz and Bill Armstrong are curious geologists who have always had a penchant for good wine. Legend has it that Bill “woke up and realized that he wanted to be more than just a wine lover. He wanted to be a wine producer.” To that end, he and Liz searched for the perfect property while Bill began his studies in oenology. Wines from France’s Rhone Valley were their preferences, in particular those from the Southern Rhone. By 2004, the couple found a a small, historic parcel in the York Mountain AVA in the Central Coast of California. Sandy soils, ocean breezes, hilly landscapes, wide diurnal temperatures, and a cool climate offered all that they desired in order to begin their wine making journey. Aptly stated by Liz and Bill Armstrong, “We are honored to carry on the legacies of York Mountain and Ignacy Jan Paderewski through our wines, wines that are carefully crafted from Rhone, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties.” You’ll want to learn more about the storied history of Epoch Estate Wines HERE.

Three Distinctive Vineyards of Epoch Estate Wines

Epoch Estate Wines cultivates a variety of red and white grapes from three specific vineyards.

Paderewski Vineyard is the historic parcel previously farmed by world-renowned pianist, Polish diplomat, and vintner, Ignacy Paderewski. It consists of 95 acres of steep, rolling hillsides rich with rocky limestone and calcareous soil as well as over 550 spring-fed acres. Inspiring to say the least, the vineyard was planted in 2004 and is located in the Willow Creek District of the Paso Robles AVA. Red varietals planted are Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Graciano, Merlot, Petite Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. White varietals cultivated are Viognier and Clairette Blanc.

Located in the Templeton Gap District is the Catapult Vineyard. 45 acres of rocky soils with silicious shale, clay, silt, and very little limestone “spoke” to the Armstrongs and in 2008, 28 acres of the parcel were planted. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Tempranillo comprise the red varietals and Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier are the white varietals planted.

Planted in 2015 is Epoch’s historic York Mountain Vineyard, located a stone’s throw from the Tasting Room and in its own unique AVA. 128 acres, of which 21 are under vine, are found in sandy, fragmented, fractured sandstone. Red grapes cultivated are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel; white grapes include Viognier and Roussanne.

For detailed information about each of these premium vineyards, click HERE.

Jordan Fiorentini, Winemaker, Showcases Wines with a Sense of Place and Time

Truth be told, I’m already looking forward to a return visit at Epoch. Why? Wines I tasted were polished, balanced, textured, and thought-provoking. With Jordan Fiorentini at the helm of winemaking, I would expect nothing less. Armed with an Engineering degree from Dartmouth, Jordan took off for Napa Valley in the fall of 1999 to have a “fun, one-time harvest experience.” However, she developed a passion for winemaking and attended UC Davis where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Viticulture and Enology. Afterward, Jordan worked at esteemed wineries in Tuscany, Sonoma, and Napa prior to finding her calling at Epoch.

Wines that receive consistent scores of 95-100 points from globally recognized critics reflect Fiorentini’s philosophy to showcase wines that “reflect the winegrowing site and vintage.” Organic and biodynamic farming practices are firmly in place.

Jordan Fiorentini doesn’t just make wine, though. She creates visual tasting notes through Vinpressions. In order to share with guests a wine’s flavor and aroma profile along with suggested textural notes, her drawings enhance the sensory experience of wine tasting. Be inspired for your next visit to Epoch when you learn more by clicking HERE.

Highly Acclaimed Wines at Epoch Estate Wines

A welcome splash of 2024 White was poured by our wine educator in order to whet the palate as we entered the tasting room and gazed at the impressive space. A brilliant blend of 56% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier, and 9% Roussanne from both Catapult and Paderewski Vineyards, 2024 White set the stage to a notable tasting thanks to a melange of aromas and flavors of stone fruit, citrus, florals, and minerality.

As the cheese and charcuterie board was presented, four wines resting on the tasting mat were ready for our appreciative palate. 2022 York Mountain Viognier, of 100% Viognier, is aged for six months on the lees in French oak barrels and puncheons. Fresh with plenty of zest, minerality, and creamy lemon, the wine is unfined and unfiltered for a pure expression of the fruit. Jordan explained that 2022 York Mountain Viognier has the ability to age up to 10 years.

2021 Sensibility is 100% Grenache from the Paderewski Vineyard. Aged for 17 months in 48% concrete tank and the remainder in neutral puncheons, one of my favorite varietals had my name on it. Rich red raspberries, strawberries, orange rind, and chalk notes on the nose and palate offered a mesmerizing profile and a lingering finish.

Ah, 2021 Estate Blend, comprised of 40% Syrah, 24% Mourvedre, 12% Grenache, 9% Graciano, 8% Tempranillo, and 7% Carignan, is considered, in Jordan Fiorentino’s words, “a snapshot of it all!” From Epoch’s three vineyards, this wine was decanted prior to tasting-a good call. Savory on both nose and palate, aromas and flavors of earth, leather, game, black fruit, tobacco, spice, and flint were bold and textured. Truly, every red wine lover will crave more than a few sips of this wine that was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and puncheons.

96% Syrah, 2% Roussanne, and 2% Viognier from York Mountain Vineyard were co-fermented for the 2021 York Mountain Syrah. Intensely aromatic and flavorful punctuated with peppery notes, I found expressions of red and black cherries, Mediterranean scrub of sage and bramble, cocoa, and vanilla from the first sip to the last. Aged for 18 months in French oak mid-sized barrels, this is a wine to drink now and save a few more bottles for later.

A visit to Epoch Wine Estates is a must during your next visit to Paso Robles wine country. Indulge yourself with a relaxing experience and elegant, award-winning wines in a stunning setting overlooking vineyards, pastures, and mountains. This is Epoch’s gift to us all.

Cheers! ~ Cindy