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EPOCH PRESS

From heavy hitters within the industry to the newest blogger, we are always humbled by the mention of our name. And each shout-out gives us an ear-to-ear smile as we continue to joyfully live the wine dream!

Epoch and Paso in the Press: 2013

The Top 100: The Most Exciting Wines of 2013
Wine Spectator | December 2015

“Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed over the previous 12 months and select our Top 100, based on quality, value, availability and excitement. This annual list honors successful wineries, regions and vintages around the world.”  2010 Estate Blend made #25 on 2013’s Top 100. Read the full list here.

Tasting Highights: 9 Knockout California Reds
Wine Spectator | November 25, 2013

“The 2011 Rhône-style reds from Paso Robles are a step or two off the pace of recent vintages. The late-ripening varieties that dominate the reds from this region, such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, can be impressive, as demonstrated by examples from Epoch, Linne Calodo and Calcareous. But other wines are overly tannic, coming up short on depth and richness…”  Read the full article here.

Wine Region of the Year: Paso Robles
Wine Enthusiast | November 12, 2013

“Each year since 2000, the editors of Wine Enthusiast have honored those individuals who contributed to the success of the wine and spirits industries with the Wine Star Awards…This California region has reinvigorated itself with new blood, creativity and rapidly improving wines.” Click here for the full article.

History of the Paso Robles Wine Region
Paso Robles Daily News – SLO County Visitors Guide | June 24, 2013

“Andrew York, a rancher from Indiana who planted a Zinfandel vineyard in the late 1870s that eventually had him establishing Ascension Winery that later became York Mountain Winery. And while it can possibly claim the title of being the oldest continuously operating winery in North County, it can only say that thanks to being purchased by Epoch Winery in 2010. Epoch is in the process of resurrecting that vineyard and replanting it. This vineyard resides in its own 6,400 acre York Mountain Appellation. Epoch’s tasting room is located at the York Mountain site on York Mountain Road off of Route 46 West…” Read the full article here.

Paso Robles: A Wine Lover’s Paradise on California’s Central Coast
Huffington Post | April 2, 2013

“…Epoch’s Jordan Fiorentini is not only a winemaker but also an artist, and her unusual “tasting notes” feature sketches which give a visual dimension to information that in less creative hands can come across as dull at best…” Read the full article.

Daily Wine Picks – More than $30
Wine Spectator | February 19, 2013

2010 Epoch Estate Blend Paderewski Vineyard Paso Robles 2010, 93 points:  Combines richness with subtlety and finesse, weaving together fresh earth, chocolate-covered espresso bean and vivid dark berry flavors with touches of hazelnut, gliding to a long, graceful finish. — (James Laube) Read the full article

Tasting Notes: Epoch, Beckman, Bogle, Villa Creek, and a Cotes du Rhone
The Southwest Wine Guide | February 2013

“…2010 Epoch Estate Wines Zinfandel Paderewski Vineyard ($55)  Popped and poured at restaurant. Exquisite. Rich fruit on the nose.  Lush mouthfeel… (94 pts)  Read the full article

Meet Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch Estates Winery
The Wine Write | January 28, 2013

“…a relative newcomer to the Paso Robles wine scene.  Founded in 2004 by Denver oilman Bill Armstrong and wife Liz, Epoch has quickly made a name for itself in the world of fine wine… More importantly, Epoch is among The Wine Write’s favorite producers.  The 2010 Zinfandel made my top ten wines of 2012.” Read the full article

Epoch and Paso in the Press: 2012

Top 10 Things That Happened in Paso Robles in 2012
Travel Paso | December 31, 2012

“…There is always something going on in this town and 2012 offered some more-amazing-than-usual experiences and a couple of “firsts”. Based on an unofficial poll, here are the Top Ten coolest things that happened in the world of Paso Robles tourism in 2012…” Click here for the full artilce.

2013 Best Two-Day Vacations
away.com | December 18, 2012

“…Paso Robles, California…Perfect for a weekend getaway from Los Angeles or San Francisco, without the crowds of Napa or the trendiness of Santa Barbara, Paso Robles is the fastest-growing wine region in the country…” Click here to read the full article.

A Polish Patriot in Paso Robles: Celebrating Ignacy Jan Paderewski
KCET | November 5, 2012

“Paderewski holds a special place in our hearts hear at Epoch.  From our, appropriately named, Paderewski Vineyard where he first planted Zinfandel, to the historic York Mountian where Paderewski crafted his wines, we now follow in his footsteps. “… a wild-haired rock star adored by audiences across the globe? A fiercely patriotic politician celebrated as the “George Washington of Poland”? A tireless philanthropist who raised millions in aid for war refugees? Or a world-weary traveler who found peace – and a cure for his arthritic hands — in Paso Robles?” Click here to read the full article.

International Wine Report: Top 50 Wines of 2012  |  2009 Tempranillo is #13
International Wine Report | November 2012

The 2009 Tempranillo from the Paderewski Vineyard is made in a modern style, aged for 23 months in 75% new French oak barrels and puncheonsis.  It has an opaque deep purple color and offers aromas of blackberry, smoke, violets, chocolate, spices, toast and well-integrated toasted oak all backed by a beautiful freshness.  Full-bodied, dense and concentrated with layers of flavors that are constantly evolving.  This wine will be even better in about 4-6 years from now, and has the potential to last for two decades.  It’s very exciting to see a Tempranillo of this quality coming out of Paso Robles and really hope to see lots more very soon. Click here for the full list

2012 New World Wine Experience: New Perspectives on California Rhône Reds
Wine Spectator | October 23, 2012

“Two things were instantly apparent when senior editor James Laube led a panel of four winemakers onstage for a seminar on Rhône reds grown in California.  First, this category has grown tremendously in recent years, judging by the lineup of wines—not just Syrah, but Grenache and Mourvèdre, grown in a diverse array of appellations.  Second, women have arrived in California winemaking and will be shaping its future for years to come. Laube was the only man on stage…” Read the full article

Wine Travel: Boutique Wineries of Paso Robles
Vegas Wine News

“Paso Robles makes a great destination for Las Vegans due its relatively close proximity and the simple fact that the quality of its wines have shown steady improvement in quality… Just founded in 2004 Epoch (pronounced “epic”–and they’re serious about that!) has rapidly evolved into a top-notch winery producing… Jordan Fiorentini, the dynamic winemaker for Epoch, took over as winemaker here in 2010.  Despite her relative youth, she has a vast experience in wine…” Read the full article

Bizzer’s Head to New Wine Country
Variety.com | September 21, 2012

“…Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco there’s a wine country without attitude and pretension.  It’s the farming area of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast…” Click here to read the full article.

The Place | California’s Central Coast, Part One
New York Times Magazine | September 19, 2012

“…The golden state’s middle ground is ripe with new wineries, gastro-inns and farm-fresh shopping…Call them American “garagistes,” a term once used to describe small-lot vintners in Bordeaux, France, who challenged traditional winemaking styles in the early 1990s.  The young winemakers of Paso Robles, a few still under 30, are keen to push boundaries and experiment…” Click here to read the full article.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski: Composer, Concert Pianist, Diplomat, and Paso Robles Winemaker
International Wine Review | September 8, 2012

“Paderewski and Paso Robles are linked together by hot springs, wine and music.  Today, his vineyard, which he planted in 1922 and was replanted by Bill and Liz Armstrong of Epoch Wines with the assistance of Saxum’s Justin Smith in 2004, is producing some of Paso Roble’s finest wines… Read the full article

Regions on the verge: 5 California wine areas to watch
San Francisco Chronicle | September 7, 2012

“California wine is all about exploration…here are five emerging wine regions worth keeping an eye on. You’ll be hearing a lot more about them in coming years… #2 Highway 46 Corridor….The historic York Mountain appellation just west of Paso, the site of the Central Coast’s first winery, is being quietly revived by the Epoch label…” Read the full article

Fine Dining in Paso Robles
International Wine Review | September 2012

“…Paso Robles is a small town with a population of around 30,000 residents. Until recently, there were very few memorable restaurants for fine dining to serve locals and tourists.  With the expansion of the wine industry over the past decade, there are now some terrific spots for food and wine enthusiasts, and new ones are in the works…” Click here to read the full article.

Discovering the Beautiful Wine Blends of Paso Robles
The Wall Street Journal | June 20, 2012

“…Paso is still beautiful, if slightly less obscure, and if this Central California region eventually becomes as renowned as Napa or Sonoma, 2010 will be viewed as the turning point…” Click here to read the full article.

Top 75 California Wine to Try Before You Quit Drinking
IntoWine.com | June 12, 2012

71. Epoch Ingenuity – This is a Paso Robles winery that has revived the Paderewski Vineyard with the help of consultant Justin Smith of Saxum.  There wines are all stellar and this one is a blend of Rhone varietals with some Petite Sirah and Zinfandel mixed in… Read the full article.

Finding the Sweet Spot
Wine Spectator | April 30, 2012

“What should wine taste like? This is not a question with a simple answer. What winemakers and wine drinkers consider “classic” or “ideal” is constantly evolving, depending on the era, the wine type and the culture….Today, grapegrowers and winemakers have much more control over their wares. Thus the question has become: What do we want wine to taste like?  In recent years, a lively debate has emerged that uses alcohol level as a barometer to respond to this question… Read the full article 

Epoch in the Press: 2011

10 Perfect Weekends Outside of L.A.
Departures  | May/June 2011

“From Pasadena to Paso Robles, some of our favorite weekend escapes just a drive away from L.A…”Read the full article

Behind the Vines: A tale of two wineries
Paso Robles Press | May 12, 2011

“The story of Epoch Estate Wines first requires a short Paso Robles history lesson: Two wineries. In the late 1870s, Indiana rancher Andrew York ventured west to pursue his dreams, and eventually found land on the northern slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, west of Paso Robles. He started planting a vineyard on his 240-acre homestead and in 1882 built the first winery in the area…” Read the full article

The New Face of California Rhône Reds
Wine Spectator | March 31, 2011

Justin Smith of Saxum Leads the Way by James Laube “As day breaks, Justin Smith is seated behind the wheel of a tractor. On this cool October morning, harvest 2010 is shifting into high gear in coastal California’s Paso Robles region. Smith is directing his harvest team as they systematically…”  Read the full article

Spice of Life
Wine Spectator | March 31, 2011

…Grenache adds verve as California Rhône makers hone regional styles and consumers warm to the art of the blend… Paso Robles has emerged as the state’s best appellation for Syrah and Syrah-Grenache blends… Read the full article

Talent Show
Wine Spectator | March 31, 2011

…Paso Robles’ new wave of wines comes from a network of California Rhône go-getters… To understand the significance of what Denver geologists Bill and Liz Armstrong are doing with Epoch Estate Wines in Paso Robles, it helps to be aware of an unusual aspect of the area’s history…Read the full article

Mourvedre grape a Paso Robles specialty
Los Angeles Times | February 10, 2011

…It’s hard to pronounce, and it can make wines that smell gamy. But Mourvèdre just might be the best grape grown in Paso Robles, one of California’s hottest wine regions…” Read the full article

Epoch and Paso in the Press: 2010

Wine of the Year – Top 100
Wine Spectator | December 31, 2010

…In 1998, a starry-eyed 28-year-old not long out of college started a small winery in the sleepy town of Paso Robles. Along with a handful of other young winemakers, Justin Smith came to believe… Read the full article

The Power of Exposure
Wine Spectator | December 31, 2010

..For anyone looking for the next big thing in wine, or more than one, here are a few that impressed me this year among the thousands of wines I tasted from around the world… Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the rise of Grenache in California… Read the full article

Country Fare: Paso Robles, California
W Magazine | June 2010

“…See you later, Sonoma.  With vineyards, farms and seafood galore, Paso Robles is emerging as California’s new foodie paradise.” Click here to read the full article.

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Epoch and Paso in the Press: 2013

The Top 100: The Most Exciting Wines of 2013
Wine Spectator | December 2015

“Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed over the previous 12 months and select our Top 100, based on quality, value, availability and excitement. This annual list honors successful wineries, regions and vintages around the world.”  2010 Estate Blend made #25 on 2013’s Top 100. Read the full list here.

Tasting Highights: 9 Knockout California Reds
Wine Spectator | November 25, 2013

“The 2011 Rhône-style reds from Paso Robles are a step or two off the pace of recent vintages. The late-ripening varieties that dominate the reds from this region, such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, can be impressive, as demonstrated by examples from Epoch, Linne Calodo and Calcareous. But other wines are overly tannic, coming up short on depth and richness…”  Read the full article here.

Wine Region of the Year: Paso Robles
Wine Enthusiast | November 12, 2013

“Each year since 2000, the editors of Wine Enthusiast have honored those individuals who contributed to the success of the wine and spirits industries with the Wine Star Awards…This California region has reinvigorated itself with new blood, creativity and rapidly improving wines.” Click here for the full article.

History of the Paso Robles Wine Region
Paso Robles Daily News – SLO County Visitors Guide | June 24, 2013

“Andrew York, a rancher from Indiana who planted a Zinfandel vineyard in the late 1870s that eventually had him establishing Ascension Winery that later became York Mountain Winery. And while it can possibly claim the title of being the oldest continuously operating winery in North County, it can only say that thanks to being purchased by Epoch Winery in 2010. Epoch is in the process of resurrecting that vineyard and replanting it. This vineyard resides in its own 6,400 acre York Mountain Appellation. Epoch’s tasting room is located at the York Mountain site on York Mountain Road off of Route 46 West…” Read the full article here.

Paso Robles: A Wine Lover’s Paradise on California’s Central Coast
Huffington Post | April 2, 2013

“…Epoch’s Jordan Fiorentini is not only a winemaker but also an artist, and her unusual “tasting notes” feature sketches which give a visual dimension to information that in less creative hands can come across as dull at best…” Read the full article.

Daily Wine Picks – More than $30
Wine Spectator | February 19, 2013

2010 Epoch Estate Blend Paderewski Vineyard Paso Robles 2010, 93 points:  Combines richness with subtlety and finesse, weaving together fresh earth, chocolate-covered espresso bean and vivid dark berry flavors with touches of hazelnut, gliding to a long, graceful finish. — (James Laube) Read the full article

Tasting Notes: Epoch, Beckman, Bogle, Villa Creek, and a Cotes du Rhone
The Southwest Wine Guide | February 2013

“…2010 Epoch Estate Wines Zinfandel Paderewski Vineyard ($55)  Popped and poured at restaurant. Exquisite. Rich fruit on the nose.  Lush mouthfeel… (94 pts)  Read the full article

Meet Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch Estates Winery
The Wine Write | January 28, 2013

“…a relative newcomer to the Paso Robles wine scene.  Founded in 2004 by Denver oilman Bill Armstrong and wife Liz, Epoch has quickly made a name for itself in the world of fine wine… More importantly, Epoch is among The Wine Write’s favorite producers.  The 2010 Zinfandel made my top ten wines of 2012.” Read the full article

Epoch and Paso in the Press: 2012

Top 10 Things That Happened in Paso Robles in 2012
Travel Paso | December 31, 2012

“…There is always something going on in this town and 2012 offered some more-amazing-than-usual experiences and a couple of “firsts”. Based on an unofficial poll, here are the Top Ten coolest things that happened in the world of Paso Robles tourism in 2012…” Click here for the full artilce.

2013 Best Two-Day Vacations
away.com | December 18, 2012

“…Paso Robles, California…Perfect for a weekend getaway from Los Angeles or San Francisco, without the crowds of Napa or the trendiness of Santa Barbara, Paso Robles is the fastest-growing wine region in the country…” Click here to read the full article.

A Polish Patriot in Paso Robles: Celebrating Ignacy Jan Paderewski
KCET | November 5, 2012

“Paderewski holds a special place in our hearts hear at Epoch.  From our, appropriately named, Paderewski Vineyard where he first planted Zinfandel, to the historic York Mountian where Paderewski crafted his wines, we now follow in his footsteps. “… a wild-haired rock star adored by audiences across the globe? A fiercely patriotic politician celebrated as the “George Washington of Poland”? A tireless philanthropist who raised millions in aid for war refugees? Or a world-weary traveler who found peace – and a cure for his arthritic hands — in Paso Robles?” Click here to read the full article.

International Wine Report: Top 50 Wines of 2012  |  2009 Tempranillo is #13
International Wine Report | November 2012

The 2009 Tempranillo from the Paderewski Vineyard is made in a modern style, aged for 23 months in 75% new French oak barrels and puncheonsis.  It has an opaque deep purple color and offers aromas of blackberry, smoke, violets, chocolate, spices, toast and well-integrated toasted oak all backed by a beautiful freshness.  Full-bodied, dense and concentrated with layers of flavors that are constantly evolving.  This wine will be even better in about 4-6 years from now, and has the potential to last for two decades.  It’s very exciting to see a Tempranillo of this quality coming out of Paso Robles and really hope to see lots more very soon. Click here for the full list

2012 New World Wine Experience: New Perspectives on California Rhône Reds
Wine Spectator | October 23, 2012

“Two things were instantly apparent when senior editor James Laube led a panel of four winemakers onstage for a seminar on Rhône reds grown in California.  First, this category has grown tremendously in recent years, judging by the lineup of wines—not just Syrah, but Grenache and Mourvèdre, grown in a diverse array of appellations.  Second, women have arrived in California winemaking and will be shaping its future for years to come. Laube was the only man on stage…” Read the full article

Wine Travel: Boutique Wineries of Paso Robles
Vegas Wine News

“Paso Robles makes a great destination for Las Vegans due its relatively close proximity and the simple fact that the quality of its wines have shown steady improvement in quality… Just founded in 2004 Epoch (pronounced “epic”–and they’re serious about that!) has rapidly evolved into a top-notch winery producing… Jordan Fiorentini, the dynamic winemaker for Epoch, took over as winemaker here in 2010.  Despite her relative youth, she has a vast experience in wine…” Read the full article

Bizzer’s Head to New Wine Country
Variety.com | September 21, 2012

“…Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco there’s a wine country without attitude and pretension.  It’s the farming area of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast…” Click here to read the full article.

The Place | California’s Central Coast, Part One
New York Times Magazine | September 19, 2012

“…The golden state’s middle ground is ripe with new wineries, gastro-inns and farm-fresh shopping…Call them American “garagistes,” a term once used to describe small-lot vintners in Bordeaux, France, who challenged traditional winemaking styles in the early 1990s.  The young winemakers of Paso Robles, a few still under 30, are keen to push boundaries and experiment…” Click here to read the full article.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski: Composer, Concert Pianist, Diplomat, and Paso Robles Winemaker
International Wine Review | September 8, 2012

“Paderewski and Paso Robles are linked together by hot springs, wine and music.  Today, his vineyard, which he planted in 1922 and was replanted by Bill and Liz Armstrong of Epoch Wines with the assistance of Saxum’s Justin Smith in 2004, is producing some of Paso Roble’s finest wines… Read the full article

Regions on the verge: 5 California wine areas to watch
San Francisco Chronicle | September 7, 2012

“California wine is all about exploration…here are five emerging wine regions worth keeping an eye on. You’ll be hearing a lot more about them in coming years… #2 Highway 46 Corridor….The historic York Mountain appellation just west of Paso, the site of the Central Coast’s first winery, is being quietly revived by the Epoch label…” Read the full article

Fine Dining in Paso Robles
International Wine Review | September 2012

“…Paso Robles is a small town with a population of around 30,000 residents. Until recently, there were very few memorable restaurants for fine dining to serve locals and tourists.  With the expansion of the wine industry over the past decade, there are now some terrific spots for food and wine enthusiasts, and new ones are in the works…” Click here to read the full article.

Discovering the Beautiful Wine Blends of Paso Robles
The Wall Street Journal | June 20, 2012

“…Paso is still beautiful, if slightly less obscure, and if this Central California region eventually becomes as renowned as Napa or Sonoma, 2010 will be viewed as the turning point…” Click here to read the full article.

Top 75 California Wine to Try Before You Quit Drinking
IntoWine.com | June 12, 2012

71. Epoch Ingenuity – This is a Paso Robles winery that has revived the Paderewski Vineyard with the help of consultant Justin Smith of Saxum.  There wines are all stellar and this one is a blend of Rhone varietals with some Petite Sirah and Zinfandel mixed in… Read the full article.

Finding the Sweet Spot
Wine Spectator | April 30, 2012

“What should wine taste like? This is not a question with a simple answer. What winemakers and wine drinkers consider “classic” or “ideal” is constantly evolving, depending on the era, the wine type and the culture….Today, grapegrowers and winemakers have much more control over their wares. Thus the question has become: What do we want wine to taste like?  In recent years, a lively debate has emerged that uses alcohol level as a barometer to respond to this question… Read the full article 

Epoch in the Press: 2011

10 Perfect Weekends Outside of L.A.
Departures  | May/June 2011

“From Pasadena to Paso Robles, some of our favorite weekend escapes just a drive away from L.A…”Read the full article

Behind the Vines: A tale of two wineries
Paso Robles Press | May 12, 2011

“The story of Epoch Estate Wines first requires a short Paso Robles history lesson: Two wineries. In the late 1870s, Indiana rancher Andrew York ventured west to pursue his dreams, and eventually found land on the northern slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, west of Paso Robles. He started planting a vineyard on his 240-acre homestead and in 1882 built the first winery in the area…” Read the full article

The New Face of California Rhône Reds
Wine Spectator | March 31, 2011

Justin Smith of Saxum Leads the Way by James Laube “As day breaks, Justin Smith is seated behind the wheel of a tractor. On this cool October morning, harvest 2010 is shifting into high gear in coastal California’s Paso Robles region. Smith is directing his harvest team as they systematically…”  Read the full article

Spice of Life
Wine Spectator | March 31, 2011

…Grenache adds verve as California Rhône makers hone regional styles and consumers warm to the art of the blend… Paso Robles has emerged as the state’s best appellation for Syrah and Syrah-Grenache blends… Read the full article

Talent Show
Wine Spectator | March 31, 2011

…Paso Robles’ new wave of wines comes from a network of California Rhône go-getters… To understand the significance of what Denver geologists Bill and Liz Armstrong are doing with Epoch Estate Wines in Paso Robles, it helps to be aware of an unusual aspect of the area’s history…Read the full article

Mourvedre grape a Paso Robles specialty
Los Angeles Times | February 10, 2011

…It’s hard to pronounce, and it can make wines that smell gamy. But Mourvèdre just might be the best grape grown in Paso Robles, one of California’s hottest wine regions…” Read the full article

Epoch and Paso in the Press: 2010

Wine of the Year – Top 100
Wine Spectator | December 31, 2010

…In 1998, a starry-eyed 28-year-old not long out of college started a small winery in the sleepy town of Paso Robles. Along with a handful of other young winemakers, Justin Smith came to believe… Read the full article

The Power of Exposure
Wine Spectator | December 31, 2010

..For anyone looking for the next big thing in wine, or more than one, here are a few that impressed me this year among the thousands of wines I tasted from around the world… Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the rise of Grenache in California… Read the full article

Country Fare: Paso Robles, California
W Magazine | June 2010

“…See you later, Sonoma.  With vineyards, farms and seafood galore, Paso Robles is emerging as California’s new foodie paradise.” Click here to read the full article.

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