2008 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Product Description
2006 Ancient Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon excels in our estate Margarita Vineyard, where the varietal benefits from one of the longest growing seasons in the Paso Robles appellation. Here, our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieve full ripeness while maintaining exceptional balance and structure. The 2006 vintage comes predominantly from Block 23 of Margarita Vineyard, which occupies a well-drained, east-facing slope. This block is planted to Clone 7, which is prized for its rich black fruit flavors and balanced tannins.
VINEYARDS Our estate Margarita Vineyard is situated along the top of the Cuesta Grade, approximately 22 miles south of the city of Paso Robles and just 14 miles as the crow flies from the Pacific Ocean. Here, the surrounding peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range act as a gateway between the ocean-cooled environs below the grade and the warmer climes above the grade. When the days heat up in the areas north and east of Margarita Vineyard, the air rises to create a vacuum that pulls marine breezes and fogs inland over the peaks, and right through the vineyard. This phenomenon creates one of the coolest growing environments in the Paso Robles appellation, resulting in fruit of remarkable dimension and complexity. As the only vineyard in its vicinity, Margarita Vineyard is alone in benefiting from the climatic attributes of its location.
WINEMAKING 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 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 small lots of Petite Verdot, Malbec and Petite Syrah for enhanced weight, structure and dimension.
TASTING NOTES The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon begins with intense aromas of black fruits and leathery spice. The palate is deep and juicy, unfolding with ripe flavors of plum, cassis, black cherry and mocha. Supple tannins are interwoven into a long, chewy finish.
CUISINE PAIRING The deep, chewy flavors of our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon are a great match for hearty fare, including rosemary braised lamb shanks, herbed veal roast and grilled flank steak
Cabernet Sauvignon excels in our estate Margarita Vineyard, where the varietal benefits from one of the longest growing seasons in the Paso Robles appellation. Here, our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieve full ripeness while maintaining exceptional balance and structure. The 2006 vintage comes predominantly from Block 23 of Margarita Vineyard, which occupies a well-drained, east-facing slope. This block is planted to Clone 7, which is prized for its rich black fruit flavors and balanced tannins.
VINEYARDS Our estate Margarita Vineyard is situated along the top of the Cuesta Grade, approximately 22 miles south of the city of Paso Robles and just 14 miles as the crow flies from the Pacific Ocean. Here, the surrounding peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range act as a gateway between the ocean-cooled environs below the grade and the warmer climes above the grade. When the days heat up in the areas north and east of Margarita Vineyard, the air rises to create a vacuum that pulls marine breezes and fogs inland over the peaks, and right through the vineyard. This phenomenon creates one of the coolest growing environments in the Paso Robles appellation, resulting in fruit of remarkable dimension and complexity. As the only vineyard in its vicinity, Margarita Vineyard is alone in benefiting from the climatic attributes of its location.
WINEMAKING 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 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 small lots of Petite Verdot, Malbec and Petite Syrah for enhanced weight, structure and dimension.
TASTING NOTES The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon begins with intense aromas of black fruits and leathery spice. The palate is deep and juicy, unfolding with ripe flavors of plum, cassis, black cherry and mocha. Supple tannins are interwoven into a long, chewy finish.
CUISINE PAIRING The deep, chewy flavors of our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon are a great match for hearty fare, including rosemary braised lamb shanks, herbed veal roast and grilled flank steak
