2014 Epoch Proprietary Red ‘Authenticity’ Paso Robles

JD97 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.
WA95 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.