Beating the Drum & "Fog Burner Chili"
December 10, 2008

• The Margarita Vineyard is situated on an uplifted ancient ocean bed of diverse soils and fossilized shells in a very unique cool growing region within the warmer climes of the southern Paso Robles AVA.  No other viticulture is practiced in the area.....yet! 
• The surrounding Santa Lucia mountain range traps cool marine air funneled from the coast by inversion layers of warmer air to create late afternoon and morning fog in the vineyard.
• The extreme diurnal range of hot days and cold nights helps to slow the grape's ripening process, intensifying flavor development, preserving balancing acidity, and holding alcohol in check.  The 2006 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon is only 13.5% alcohol.
• Recognizing the above components, Mondavi Corporation leased and developed the Margarita Vineyard in the 1990s.  The Cabernet Sauvignon produced for this wine is from Parcel #23 and planted to Clone 7; known to produce an intense black cherry fruit.  The owners of Ancient Peaks' estate Margarita Vineyard, resumed control of it when Mondavi Corporation was purchased by Constellation Brands in 2004.
• In the Spring of 2006, winemaker Mike Sinor was hired to oversee all production aspects of Ancient Peaks wine.  Previously the winemaker at cult followed Domaine Alfred, Mike is one of the central coast's leading winemakers with many highly rated wines to his portfolio,  We go back with Mike when his wife delivered by station wagon the last 25 cases of their stunning 2002 Sinor-LaValle Syrah.
• The grapes were harvested at an average of 24 degrees Brix. After destemming and light crushing, the must was fermented in stainless steel tanks with pumpovers three times daily. On the third day of fermentation, a venturi valve was introduced to the pumpovers, oxygenating the fermentation environment for the development of a clean fruit profile. The wine was racked to a combination of French and American oak barrels, where it aged for 16 months prior to blending and bottling. The final blend incorporated 79% Cabernet Sauvignon with small lots of Malbec (15%), Petit Verdot (3%) and Petite Syrah (3%) for enhanced weight, structure and dimension.

My tasting notes: Dark scarlet color is telltale to the black cherry-cassis spiced fruit on the nose and palate. Inviting bright and juicy fruit offers depth and concentration. Firm and perfectly balanced, this wine's purity of fruit should develop greater complexity as it ages.....guaranteed by supple tannins and lenthy finish. A very compelling wine with huge potential!    

Please don't ask me if I really like this wine?.....sincerely, this is an astonishing value!  NOT too late to order for your party, gift giving.....or personal stash! 

                                           

 

If you've made it this far, please check out my new offerings below......