2019 Veracity

Jeb Dunnuck | 96
The 2019 Veracity shows nicely, with ample red, blue, and black fruits as well as ground pepper, candied orange, and violet aromas. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated on the palate, this blend of 44% Mourvèdre, 43% Grenache, and the rest Syrah has lots of classic Paso Robles chalky minerality, ripe tannins, and one heck of a great finish.

Epoch is another top estate in Paso Robles that has seen incredible growth and change over the past decade. Now in a new facility on York Mountain, winemaker Jordan Fiorentini continues to experiment with new blends as well as different fermentation vessels, also using a touch more whole cluster at times. These are rich, textured, classic Paso Robles reds. -September 2021 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Wine Advocate | 95
The 2019 Veracity is a blend of 44% Mourvèdre, 43% Grenache and 13% Syrah that aged 17 months in 37% new French oak. It has a notably pure, elegant expression this vintage. Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini notes that this cuvée is usually aged in a portion of concrete, “but this vintage was too light and fresh, so it didn’t need concrete.” It offers very pretty aromas of blueberries and blackberries accented by notes of violet, aniseed and blood orange. The palate is silky and bright with an array of floral fruits and a very long, very spicy finish. 1,240 cases were made, and this will be released in the spring of 2022. -November 2021 (Erin Brooks)

2018 Veracity

Jeb Dunnuck | 97+
Another gem is the 2018 Veracity, which boasts a medium to full-bodied, focused, elegant style that’s the hallmark of this estate to go with plenty of intensity and opulence in its jammy blackberry fruits and notes of ground pepper, violets, and spicy nuances. It has firm yet ripe tannins, and everything is nicely balanced. It can certainly be enjoyed today, but it will be even better in 2-3 years and evolve for a decade. -September 2020 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Wine Advocate | 94
A blend of 54% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache and 11% Syrah aged 18 months in 28% new French oak barrels and puncheons, the 2018 Veracity has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and gregarious bursts of mint and coffee supported by black and red berry fruits laced with aniseed and spices. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with fantastic juicy character and a long, spicy finish. 1,273 cases produced. -October 2020 (Erin Brooks)

2017 Veracity

Jeb Dunnuck | 96 
Based on 47% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache, and 19% Syrah, the 2017 Veracity is beautifully done, revealing a core of blue fruits, plenty of peppery herbs, violets, spice, and floral notes, medium to full body, and a great finish. It’s one of those wines that grows on you with time in the glass, and I suspect it will be even better with another 2-3 years of bottle age (although it’s terrific today). -September 2020 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Vinous | 96
Deep violet. Intensely perfumed aromas of dark berry preserves, cherry liqueur, licorice and exotic spices are complemented by a suave floral overtone. Sappy cherry-vanilla, cassis and blueberry flavors stain the palate and become spicier with air. Finishes smooth and exceptionally long and precise, with resonating spiciness and polished tannins that add gentle final grip. -Decmber 2020 (Josh Raynolds)

2016 Veracity

Paderewski and Catapult Vineyards, Paso Robles
51% Mourvèdre, 36% Grenache, 13% Syrah
Fermented in concrete, oak and stainless steel
Aged 17 months: 28% in concrete tulip and the balance in French oak barrels and puncheons (32% new)

Jeb Dunnuck | 98
The Mourvèdre-dominated 2016 Veracity (51% Mourvèdre, 36% Grenache, and 13% Syrah) reveals a darker ruby color as well as a sensational bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked meats, ground herbs, chocolate, and earth. With full-bodied richness, no hard edges, wonderful purity of fruit, and a great finish, it’s a heavenly expression of Mourvèdre to drink over the coming decade or more. 2019 – 2029; October 2019, (Jeb Dunnuck)

Vinous | 98
Lurid ruby. Assertive, smoke- and mineral-accented black and blue fruit preserve, exotic spice, cola, licorice and incense aromas pick up a suave floral quality as the wine opens up. Alluringly sweet and seamless in texture, offering deeply concentrated blueberry, cherry preserve, dark chocolate and violet pastille flavors that turn livelier and spicier on the back half. Deftly plays richness and power off of delicacy and finishes with remarkable clarity and just a hint of silky, integrated tannins. Drinking this wine is like watching Rosey Grier doing his needlepoint; those of a certain age will understand. (13% whole clusters; aged in a combination of 72% French oak barrels and puncheons, 32% of them new, and the rest in concrete vats); February, 2020 (Josh Raynolds)

Intensely focused fruit aromas of crushed and candied blackberry are woven into waves of spice cake, gingerbread and more exotic spices on the nose of this blend of 51% Mourvèdre, 36% Grenache and 13% Syrah. Perfectly polished tannins retain enough tension to stand up to the ripe blackberry, cola-nut and gingersnap flavors. -January 2020 (Matt Kettmann)

2015 Veracity

Paderewski and Catapult Vineyards, Paso Robles
47% Grenache | 34% Mourvèdre | 19% Syrah
Fermented in concrete, stainless steel, and oak tanks and ½-ton French oak puncheons
Aged 18 months: 28% concrete tulip and the balance in French oak barrels and puncheons (24% new)
Releasing Spring 2018 | unfined and unfiltered

Wine Advocate | 97+
Composed of 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 19% Syrah, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Veracity Proprietary Red leaps from the glass with beautiful violet, rose petal and mandarin peel notes over a core of crushed red currants and blackberries, plus hints of baking spices and forest floor. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with perfumed black and red fruits supported by firm, velvety tannins and great freshness, finishing long and multilayered. Simply gorgeous. 866 cases were made. Drink 2017 – 2032 – Lisa Perrotti-Brown (September 2017)

Jeb Dunnuck | 97

The GSM of the estate, the 2015 Veracity checks in as 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, and 19% Syrah that was brought up in a mix of concrete tanks, neutral barrels, and 24% new barrels. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a kaleidoscope of blackberries, leafy herbs, pepper, underbrush, and spice aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with awesome purity of fruit, building richness, and ultra-fine tannins. It’s a tour de force in Rhône blends from California that I wish every reader could taste. Drink after 2018 – Jeb Dunnuck (August 2017)

Vinous | 96
(17% whole clusters; raised in a combination of concrete tank and new and used French oak barrels of varying size) Deep lurid ruby. Intense red and blue fruit preserve and floral aromas, along with hints of cola, vanilla and exotic spices. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense boysenberry and raspberry flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Rich and broad but lively as well, showing excellent clarity and a bitter chocolate nuance on the strikingly long, youthfully tannic finish. Drink 2025 – 2035 – Josh Raynolds (September 2018)

Wine Enthusiast | 94
This blend of 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 19% Syrah shows alpine strawberries, lilac and an intriguing sesame-seed savory kick to the elegantly layered nose. It hits the palate suavely, delivering a pecan nuttiness that evolves into rounded strawberry, plum and rosewater flavors, all well balanced by grippy tannins. – April 2019 (Matt Kettmann)

2014 Veracity

Paderewski and Catapult Vineyards, Paso Robles
66% Grenache | 18% Mourvèdre | 16% Syrah
Fermented in concrete tanks and 1⁄2-ton French oak puncheons
Aged ~ 18 months: 8% concrete egg, 24% new French oak and 68% neutral oak
Released Spring 2017 | unfined and unfiltered

Jeb Dunnuck | 95
The GSM blend of the estate the checks in as 66% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 16% Syrah (more Grenache than normal), the 2014 Veracity offers a classic Paso nose of sexy, ripe black fruits, melted licorice, charcoal and roasted meats. Deep, rich and concentrated, it cuts a tight, focused path on the palate, with plenty of tannin, terrific freshness and a great finish. Like all these 2014s, it has terrific purity. – August 2017 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Vinous | 94
Opaque ruby. Heady, mineral-accented black raspberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by an exotic floral nuance and suggestions of five-spice powder and mocha. Fleshy and seamless on the palate, offering intensely sweet red and blue fruit and rose pastille flavors that show excellent concentration and a bracing snap of white pepper. Finishes sappy and sweet, displaying harmonious tannins and a lingering suggestion of candied flowers. – November 2017 (Josh Raynolds)

Wine Advocate | 94
A blend of 66% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 16% Syrah, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Veracity Proprietary Red has a gorgeous baked raspberry and kirsch nose with hints of Indian spices and smoky bacon plus a waft of garrigue. Full-bodied, with a firm frame of grainy tannins and lively acid reining in the gregarious fruit, it finishes with lingering earthy accents. 875 cases were made. – September 2017 (Lisa Perotti-Brown)

Wine Enthusiast | 92
The dense yet fresh aromas of black currant, violet and lilac make for a beautiful aromatic core to this blend of 66% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 16% Syrah, which is lifted by anise. The palate is also thick with dark fruits yet cut by tarragon and wild mint, riding a fairly sticky, heavy frame that still needs time to develop. – May 2018 (Matt Kettmann)

Wine Spectator | 90
Big and zesty, with full-throttle black raspberry, licorice, mineral and black pepper accents that take on power toward the taut tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best after 2018. 875 cases made. – April 2018 (Tim Fish)

2013 Veracity

Paderewski and Catapult Vineyards, Paso Robles
49% Grenache | 34% Mourvèdre | 17% Syrah
Fermented ~27% whole cluster in concrete and stainless steel tanks, one-ton bins and 1/2 ton French oak puncheons
Aged for 17 months in 32% new French oak mid-sized barrels and puncheons
Released Fall 2015 | unfined and unfiltered

Wine Advocate | 95
Another sensational red is the 2013 Veracity Proprietary Red, which is mostly Grenache blended with 34% Mourvedre and 17% Syrah. Aged in 32% new barrels, its ruby color is followed by classic notes of black raspberries, toasted spice, dried flowers and hints of pepper. Full-bodied, supple and polished, with no hard edges and a seamless texture, it will stand up to a great Chateauneuf du Pape and drink well through 2025. – August 2016 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Vinous | 92
Brilliant violet. Smoke- and Indian-spice-accented black and blue fruits and violet on the powerfully scented nose. Sappy and tightly focused on entry and then fleshier and more open in the midpalate, offering lively blueberry and bitter cherry flavors and an exotic suggestion of candied flowers. In a smooth, seductive style, delivering excellent closing thrust; harmonious tannins add shape. – September 2016 (Josh Raynolds)

Wine Spectator | 90
Compact and powerful, with aromas of berry cobbler, burnt toast and licorice, featuring tightly wound flavors of blackberry, cracked pepper and mineral. The tannins are ripe but grip the finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2018 through 2026. – February 2016 (Tim Fish)

2012 Veracity

Paderewski and Catapult Vineyards, Paso Robles
55% Grenache | 27% Mourvèdre | 18% Syrah
Fermened in concrete and stainless steel tanks, one-ton bins, and 1/2 ton puncheons
Aged for 17 months in concrete egg and 30% new French oak barrels and puncheons
920 Cases Produced | unfined and unfiltered

Wine Advocate | 94
A blend of 55% Grenache, 27% Mourvedre and 18% Syrah, the 2012 Veracity is a sweetly fruited, sexy and seamless red that has plenty of black raspberry, raspberry, licorice, crushed rock and toasted spice on the nose. As with all of Jordan’s 2012s, it’s made in a full-bodied, lightly textured and savory style, with plenty of chewy tannin (which is common in her 2012s) on the finish. It will improve with another year in bottle and have over a decade of longevity. –  August 2014 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Wine Enthusiast | 94 & Editors’ Choice
Jordan Fiorentini continues to knock socks off with powerful wines, even when led by Grenache, which comprises 55% of this blend along with 27% Mourvèdre and 18% Syrah. Dark raspberries, smashed strawberries, concentrated rose petals, soy and beef jerky lead into energetic flavors of olallieberry, black-slate minerality and blueberry-skin tannins. – October 2015 (Matt Kettman)

Vinous | 92
The Grenache-based 2012 Veracity is dense, rich and powerful. Dark red stone fruits, crushed flowers, smoke and tobacco are some of the notes that open up in the glass, followed by kirsch and exotic spice overtones that add both complexity and nuance. Veracity is 55% Grenache, 27% Mourvèdre and 18% Syrah. – July 2014 (Antonio Galloni)

Wine Spectator | 91
Combines power and tannis with a dense core of raspberry, blackberry and wild berry notes, showing hints of gravvely earth and black licorice woven among the waves of flavor. Needs time. Best from 2016 – 2028. – December 2014 (James Laube)

International Wine Report | 91
The 2012 Veracity is a blend of 55% Grenache, 27% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah from both the Paderewski and Catapult Vineyards. As this begins to open is the glass it delivers aromas of ripe blackberries and raspberries followed by fresh lavender, violets, spices and earthy minerals. This full-bodied red possesses a gorgeous velvety texture that shows notable depth with everything coming together seamlessly on the long finish. Although this is quite appealing today, readers may want to consider allowing this some additional bottle age to continue to develop. (Best 2016-2026) – February, 2015 (Joe D’Angelo)

2011 Veracity

Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles
57% Grenache | 25% Mourvèdre | 18% Syrah
Fermeted predominantly in concreet along with one-ton tbins and stainless steel
Aged 16 months in 25% new French oak
651 cases produced | unfined and unfiltered

Wine Enthusiast | 95 & Editors’ Choice
Remarkably inky in color for a Grenache-based blend, it features strong aromas of cedar, meat and deeply purple fruit.  The soft, rich mouthfeel coats the palate like a luxurious lacquer, and features flavors of blackberry jam, macerated cherry and vanilla-spiced plums.  The blend of florals, herbals, fruit and oak-driven tannis is masterful.  Drink now by itself or with a peppercorn-crusted filet mignon. – September 2014 (Matt Kettmann)

Wine Advocate | 93
Savory and meaty, with plenty of black cherry, raspberry, underbrush and spice, the 2011 Veracity has a great palate that carries pure, vibrant fruit, ripe tannin and an overall elegant, focused feel.  Give it another 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy through 2021. Drink 2015-2021.  –  August 2013 (Jeb Dunnuck)

International Wine Report | 92+
The 2011 Veracity is fantastic with aromas of crushed blackberry and tart raspberry followed by fresh lavender, violets, white pepper and crushed stones.  This shows excellent concentration and the fruit explodes onto the rich palate. It is kept well balanced and even seems light on its feet from thanks to the mouthwatering acidity.  This constantly evolves in the glass, picking up momentum and depth as it heads into the long juicy finish. A wonderful effort form Jordan Fiorentini with the blend of 57% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 18% Syrah from the Paderewski Vineyard.  This is already almost impossible to resist, but give it another couple of years in bottle for it to be at its best. Best 2015-2026. – January 2014 (Joe D’Angelo)

Vinous | 92
Brilliant ruby.  Powerful aromas of candied black raspberry, blueberry and licorice, with hints of violet and cracked pepper adding complexity.  Lush, intensely flavored and silky in texture, offering spicy dark berry and cherry compote flavors enlivened by a suave floral nuance.  Showing the dark side of Grenache.  Finishes sappy and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of licorice and velvety, harmonious tannins. – November 2013 (Josh Raynolds)

Wine Spectator | 91
Richly flavored, firm, dense, complex and focused, this offers a mix of crushed rock, dark berry, black licorice, spice and floral notes that stay persistent through the finish.  Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.  Drink now through 2023. – January 31, 2014 (James Laube)

2010 Veracity

Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles
69% Grenache | 23% Mourvèdre | 4% Syrah | 4% Counoise
Aged for 18 months in 41% new French oak barrels and puncheons
589 cases produced | unfined and unfiltered

Jeb Dunnuck | 95
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. -August 2012 (Jeb Dunnuck)

Rhone Report | 95
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 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.  – (Jeb Dunnuck)

Wine Advocate | 94
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. – (Jeb Dunnuck)

Wine Spectator | 94
Presents a complex, graceful mix of blackberry, black licorice and boysenberry pie scents, yet for all its apparent ripeness this remains elegant and ends with a more subtle, nuanced finish, right down to the crushed rock earthiness.  Drink now through 2022. –  (James Laube)

Vinous | 92
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.  – November  2012 (Josh Raynolds)

2009 Veracity

Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles
36% Grenache | 32% Syrah | 32% Mourvèdre
Aged for 20 months in 38% new French oak
374 cases produced | unfined and unfiltered

Rhone Report | 94
Showing similar to how it did out of barrel a year ago, the 2009 Veracity, 36% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre, and 32% Syrah that’s aged 20 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (38% new), maintains its overall classy profile with brilliantly pure aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, spice, graphite, and chalky, mineral nuances that really shine with air.  This full-bodied, impeccably put together red is perfectly balanced, possesses a seamless, polished texture, good acidity, and a classically styled finish.  I love the purity here, as well as the polish and texture to the tannin.  Certainly superb now, this will be even better with another year or two in bottle, and should evolve gracefully for upwards of a decade.  – (Jeb Dunnuck)

Vinous | 93
Bright purple.  Intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry, blueberry, anise and violet, with a touch of cinnamon in the background.  Juicy, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors show excellent clarity and depth, with a suave floral pastille quality on the back half.  The red fruit element carries through on the smooth, very long finish.  – October/November 2011 (Josh Raynolds)

Wine Spectator | 93
A fresh, vibrant red, featuring rich boysenberry, mineral and cedar notes with hints of red and black licorice.  Well-proportioned and sleek, ending with a complex burst of ripe dark fruit. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.  Drink now through 2022.  – (James Laube)

Wine Advocate | 92
The 2009 Veracity is 36% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre and 32% Syrah.  A sweet, floral bouquet melds into an expressive core of fruit in this gorgeous wine.  At once expansive yet restrained, the Veracity shows striking purity and tons of class.  Rose petals and sweet spices linger on the attractive finish.  Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.  – (Antonio Galloni)

2007 Veracity

Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles
48% Grenache | 39% Mourvèdre | 13% Syrah
Aged 14 months in 65% new French oak barrels
181 cases produced | unfined and unfiltered

Wine Advocate | 94
The 2007 Veracity, a blend of 48% Grenache, 39% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, is a sexy style of wine with a beautiful nose of kirsch, black currant, lavender, and sweet earth.  A healthy dark ruby color, the wine is succulent, fleshy, full-bodied, and totally charming.  It is impossible to resist, yet it should drink well for another 5-6 years.  – (Robert Parker)

Rhone Report | 93
A blend of 48% Grenache, 39% Mourvédre and 13% Syrah, the 2007 Veracity was reticent on the nose but opened up nicely with air to show pure, fresh aromatics.  Beautiful blackberry jam notes are mixed with spiced meat, underbrush and a hint of sweet oak on the nose and these carries over onto the palate where the wine is medium to full bodied, textured, balanced and silky.  This showed more structure on the second day and is a knockout wine to drink over the next 10 years.  – (Jeb Dunnuck)

Wine Spectator | 92
Shows off ripe, juicy huckleberry and boysenberry fruit that’s pure, complex and balanced, gaining depth and nuance.  Firms on the finish, which is long and persistent. Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Drink now through 2016.  – (James Laube)

Vinous | 90
Opaque purple.  Black cherry, plum, menthol and spicy oak on the pungent nose. Supple and smooth on entry, then spicy and energetic in the middle, with brighter red berry character and a strong note of white pepper. The spicy note strongly informs the persistent, sappy finish, which leaves sweet red fruit notes behind. The grenache is really showing itself now.  – November/December 2009 (Josh Raynolds)