Calling all Ancient Peaks members!
We have several exciting wines to share with you in our spring member shipment, details below. Enjoy!
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2019 Rosé – Santa Margarita Ranch
Modeled after the refreshingly dry rosés of Europe, the 2019 Rosé is made from Pinot Noir grown at our estate Margarita Vineyard. This wine comes specifically from Block 34, which occupies one of the coolest spots in the entire Paso Robles region. Here, a notch in the coastal peaks invites an ingress of brisk marine air, fostering the crisp flavors and acidity that we consider vital to crafting a true rosé.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Rosé greets the nose with delicate aromas of orange blossom, watermelon, kiwi and citrus. A clean, stony texture delivers crisp flavors of strawberry, tangerine and mint leaf, all buoyed by lively acidity. A brisk, fresh finish lingers with quenching notes of lime zest.
Food Pairing
Savor the 2019 Rosé as the perfect companion for spring and summer sipping, and with foods such as grilled seafood, roast chicken and margherita pizza.
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – Santa Margarita Ranch
Wine & Spirits Magazine recently gave our 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon a rating of “90 Points” with a “Best Buy” designation—further cementing our Cabernet program’s reputation for quality and accessibility. The 2017 growing season, in fact, yielded one of our most special vintages to date, producing a wine that rings all of the bells you want from your Cabernet—depth, complexity and classic varietal flavors that speak to the terroir of our estate Margarita Vineyard.
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon presents an enticing bouquet of black olive, leather, caramel and coffee. A smooth, layered palate offers flavors of cherry, plum, blueberry and cassis with trailing hits of mint and toasted oak. Juicy acidity and sumptuous tannins add length to a resoundingly elegant finish.
Food Pairing
This is a wine that appeals to richly textured dishes, such as veal roast with mushrooms, rack of lamb with rosemary butter, and filet mignon with black olive sauce.
2017 Petite Sirah “Pearl Collection” – Santa Margarita Ranch
Petite Sirah is our only wine that does not come from our estate Margarita Vineyard, but we still keep it all in the family. Indeed, the 2016 Petite Sirah comes from Wittstrom Vineyard, which is farmed by winery co-owner Karl Wittstrom in the rolling hills northeast of Paso Robles. Here, a daily interplay of hot afternoons and cool marine nights allows the Petite Sirah grape to soften its naturally aggressive tannins while still maintaining its signature intensity and richness.
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Petite Sirah is loaded with aromas of brambleberry, cedar, tobacco, smoky toasted oak, vanilla bean and violets. A bold, broad palate bursts with intense flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, wild blackberry and coffee. Assertive tannins and balanced acidity add lift to the experience, allowing beautiful black pepper notes to shine through a rich, chewy finish.
Food Pairing
This bold yet lively Petite Sirah is a fine match for hearty dishes such as black pepper-crusted roast beef, pasta Bolognese, meat stew and short ribs.
2017 Syrah “Jackpot” – Santa Margarita Ranch
The Jackpot designation is reserved for standout wines that vividly express and exemplify our estate Margarita Vineyard. This 2017 Syrah comes from select rows at the extreme northern end of Block 47 at Margarita Vineyard, where the crop predominates with loose clusters and small berries that yield natural intensity. The resulting limited-edition wine represents a special selection of 10 exemplary barrels that were deemed most worthy of the Jackpot designation.
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Syrah opens with sleek, lifted aromas of black cherry, blueberry, mocha, bacon fat and toasty oak. An extravagantly broad palate delivers savory black fruit flavors with notes of dried herb, boysenberry pie and Mexican chocolate. Spicy tannins dance across a supple yet structured finish.
Food Pairing
Enjoy this full-flavored Syrah with rich, savory dishes such as bacon-wrapped filet, venison stew, cassoulet and grilled pork chops.