Made primarily from Grenache Blanc with the stated goal to be fresh and lively, the 2012 Epoch White succeeds admirably. Fermented all in concrete eggs, it offers knockout citrus, pear, grassy herbs and hints of tropical fruit to go with a medium-bodied, pure and lively palate that has superb depth through the mid-palate. Fresh, clean and focused, it’s impressive and should be consumed in its fresh and lively youth. Drink now.
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