Epoch Estate Wines Names Jordan Fiorentini Winemaker

PASO ROBLES, Calif., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Epoch Estate Wines, producer of ultra-premium Rhone variety wines from west Paso Robles, announces the recent appointment of Jordan Fiorentini as its Winemaker. Jordan was most recently the Director of Winemaking at Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County where she made critically acclaimed Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Bordeaux-based blends and red Rhone variety wines.

A native of Georgia, Jordan grew up as part of a wine-loving family where she developed a keen interest in wines at a young age. After graduating with an undergraduate liberal arts degree from Dartmouth College, she immersed herself in the world of wine. Jordan holds a Masters degree in Enology and Viticulture from the University of California at Davis where she also worked as a research and teaching assistant for legendary professor Dr. Anne Noble. Prior to Chalk Hill, Jordan worked at famed Antinori winery in Italy and revered Araujo Estate winery in the Napa Valley.

Jordan brings extensive experience and knowledge to Epoch Estate combined with an uncompromised dedication to quality and a true passion for wine and winemaking. She will be responsible for leading all aspects of Epoch's vineyard management and winemaking activities. "We couldn't be more excited that Jordan decided to make the move from the Sonoma/Napa region to west Paso Robles and join us in our pursuit of crafting world-class wines," says founder Bill Armstrong.

Jordan joins a team that already includes Consulting Winemaker Justin Smith, of acclaimed Saxum Vineyards in west Paso Robles, General Manager Matt Hobbs, who was previously General Manager at Paul Hobbs Winery in Sonoma County, and veteran vineyard manager John Crossland. "I'm extremely excited about coming to west Paso Robles to grow and make wine. I couldn't pass up this rare opportunity to join a terrific venture in an amazing wine region with so much potential and such a bright future. I fell in love with the site-driven Rhone varieties produced here," says Fiorentini. Benchmark Consulting conducted the search.

About Epoch Estate Wines

Located in the rapidly emerging west Paso Robles region of California's Central Coast, Epoch Estate Wines is dedicated to the boutique production of ultra-premium quality Rhone variety, Tempranillo and Zinfandel wines. Founded in 2004 by prospectors and oenophiles Bill and Liz Armstrong, it is committed to becoming one of the region's preeminent wineries. More than 95 acres of estate vineyards, including the legendary Paderewski Vineyard, have been planted to 10 different Rhone variety grapes, Tempranillo and Zinfandel. Epoch Estate's inaugural 2007 vintage was released last month and is presently sold out. Epoch Estate's wines are available directly from the winery to members of its mailing list and in limited quantities at select restaurants and wine shops in California, Colorado and Georgia. For more information, please visit www.epochwines.com.

About the Paderewski Vineyard

In 1913, famed Polish pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski visited Paso Robles seeking the healing effects of its hot mineral baths for his rheumatism. He fell in love with the area and stayed to establish Rancho San Ignacio and plant what would become a prized Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vineyard. Paderewski crafted award-winning wines from his vineyard in the 1930s and sold it shortly before his death in 1941. After lying fallow for decades, the land was rediscovered and acquired by Bill and Liz Armstrong in 2004 during their search for the ideal place to fulfill their dream of making extraordinary Rhone variety wines. They fittingly rededicated this distinctive terroir to winegrowing and revived its name in honor of Ignacy Jan Paderewski and his original vision for this land. Characterized by limestone soils, steep slopes and the maritime influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean, the Paderewski Vineyard was replanted in 2005.

About Ignacy Jan Paderewski

Born in Poland in 1861, Ignacy Jan Paderewski is renowned as one of the most famous and popular pianist of all times. He traveled by private train throughout the United States in the early 1900s performing concerts in sold-out town squares and halls. Paderewski was the first pianist to perform solo at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He spoke seven languages and in 1919 became Prime Minister of newly independent Poland. Ignacy Jan Paderewski was an unparalleled virtuoso and patriot. For more information about his life and the annual Paso Robles festival held in his honor, please visit www.usc.edu/dept/polish_music/ and www.paderewskifest.com.

SOURCE Epoch Estate Wines