Ancient Peaks, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
We are a family-owned winery specializing in estate-grown wines from Margarita Vineyard, the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles appellation on California’s Central Coast.

Just look at a map of Paso Robles wineries and at the very southern tip you will find our Vineyard. Here, amid the rugged Santa Lucia mountain range just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Margarita Vineyard stands alone as the only vineyard in its vicinity, and thus the only vineyard to benefit from the extraordinary growing conditions of the area. Margarita Vineyard resides in the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, which was first planted to vines by Franciscan missionaries in 1774.

Ancient Peaks and Margarita Vineyard are owned by three longtime local winegrowing families—the Filipponis, Rossis and Wittstroms—who are actively involved in the daily operations of the vineyard and winery. Ancient Peaks wines are crafted under the guidance of Mike Sinor, a local winemaking veteran and one of the highest-rated winemakers on the Central Coast.

Ancient Peaks implements numerous sustainable viticultural practices to ensure natural quality in their wines while protecting the rich, native environment surrounding the Margarita Vineyard. Their practices have earned SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification for Margarita Vineyard, the leading standard for viticultural sustainability.

Sustainable. 

Winemakers
Mike Sinor & Stewart Cameron

Grape / Blend
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 2% Petite Sirah

Origin
Paso Robles, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with expressive aromas of plum, boysenberry, red currant, black olive, caramel and toasted oak. Broad, chewy textures deliver layered impressions of blueberry, cherry, cassis and violet with undercurrents of graphite, sage, eucalyptus and vanilla bean. Fresh acidity and fine tannins carry into a long, expansive finish. A wonderfully integrated and complex Cabernet Sauvignon.

92 Points - Tasting Panel 

91 Points - Vinous
Black currants, grilled sage, and crushed stone form a darkly enticing bouquet as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon opens in the glass. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic in character, with racy wild berry fruits offset by a tinge of sour citrus. It tapers off with dramatic length and grippy tannins yet somehow leaves the mouth watering for more. Hints of cocoa and a twist of tangerine linger.

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Black plum and violet aromas meet with toasted oak and cocoa dust on the nose of this bottling. There's a chalky frame to the palate, where blackberry and woodspice flavors align.

Product size: 750ml