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2008 "BEST NEW DISCOVERY WINE OF THE YEAR!"
Ancient Peaks Winery's Santa Margarita Ranch was first planted with grapevines by Spanish missionaries back in 1774. Part of a Spanish land grant, the ranch now spans over 12,000 acres and is owned by 3 families; the the Filipponis, Rossis and Wittstroms.
The ranch includes the 866 acre Margarita Vineyard developed by the Robert Mondavi Corp., which leased the land in the late 1990s. Mondavi never took any fruit, though: By the first harvest, in 2004, the company was in the thick of the turmoil that resulted in its eventual acquisition by wine giant Constellation Brands.
In 2005 the families purchased back the lease. Most of the grapes were sold to other producers and are still contracted to do so; Rosenblum, Four Vines, Domaine Alfred to name a few.
Margarita Vineyard is situated on an ancient uplifted sea bed composed of diverse and complex soil types, and riddled with white ocean fossils (oyster beds). 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the peaks of the surrounding San Lucia mountain range (thus the name) act as a gateway for cool marine air flow and fog to help moderate the very warm days. This diurnal range in temperature helps to preserve acidity and slow down the ripening process. This is paramount for varietal flavor development and intensity, and helps keep the sugars in check resulting in lower alcohol. Can you believe a California Cabernet Sauvignon with just 13.5% alcohol!!!
In the Spring of 2006 Mike Sinor, former superstar winemaker from Domaine Alfred, fortuitously arrived on his white horse. Trust me when I say Mike is one of the very best winemakers on the West Coast and knows how to handle Central Coast fruit. I remember purchasing Mike's Sinor-LaVallee Syrah in December of 2005 - See this archive > www.thewineconsultant.com/newsletter/197/
The 2006 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon -
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.
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!
Be sure to purchase enough so you can try a bottle or so every year! This wine will enrapt you just like a great mystery or suspense novel......you just can't wait for the next chapter....but you don't want it to end either!!
One final thought! Every producer of West Coast Cabernet Sauvignon priced over $50 a bottle should try a bottle of the 2006 Ancient Peak Cabernet Sauvignon. TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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