Ancient Peaks
Chardonnay
Ancient Peaks
Chardonnay
The Ancient Peaks estate Margarita Vineyard is cradled along the coastal Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, amid one of the Paso Robles region’s coolest growing environments, conditions are optimal for producing a varietally true Chardonnay with a singular sense of place. This Chardonnay strikes a fine balance between the leaner and richer styles of Chardonnay, making it a versatile, food-friendly wine.
Wine Production
After harvesting and light pressing, 86% of the juice was cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks for the preservation of delicate aromatics and bright fruit flavors. The remainder was barrel fermented and aged on the lees in 30% new oak to add roundness, texture and complexity. This oak-aged lot also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation and consistent lees stirring, which ultimately lent a touch of creaminess to the wine.
Tasting Notes
The Chardonnay opens with tropical aromas of pineapple and mango with trailing notes of pear and wet stone. A sleek, soft palate shows flavors of nectarine and lemon chiffon with a suggestion of caramel. A touch of minerality joins light acidity on a smooth, elegant finish.
Food Pairing
The soft, elegant textures of the Chardonnay allow for a wide range of food pairings including crab cakes, goat cheese canapés, lemon-baked cod and Caesar salad with chicken.
The Ancient Peaks estate Margarita Vineyard is cradled along the coastal Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, amid one of the Paso Robles region’s coolest growing environments, conditions are optimal for producing a varietally true Chardonnay with a singular sense of place. This Chardonnay strikes a fine balance between the leaner and richer styles of Chardonnay, making it a versatile, food-friendly wine.
Wine Production
After harvesting and light pressing, 86% of the juice was cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks for the preservation of delicate aromatics and bright fruit flavors. The remainder was barrel fermented and aged on the lees in 30% new oak to add roundness, texture and complexity. This oak-aged lot also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation and consistent lees stirring, which ultimately lent a touch of creaminess to the wine.
Tasting Notes
The Chardonnay opens with tropical aromas of pineapple and mango with trailing notes of pear and wet stone. A sleek, soft palate shows flavors of nectarine and lemon chiffon with a suggestion of caramel. A touch of minerality joins light acidity on a smooth, elegant finish.
Food Pairing
The soft, elegant textures of the Chardonnay allow for a wide range of food pairings including crab cakes, goat cheese canapés, lemon-baked cod and Caesar salad with chicken.
Brand Materials
Vineyard & Production Info
Winemaking & Aging
Analytical Data
About the Vineyard
The Chardonnay grapes comes from blocks 22 and 37 at Margarita Vineyard. Block 37 occupies a northeast-facing flank of the vineyard, where the morning and afternoon temperatures are particularly cool. Here, brisk marine air settles after flowing through a mountain notch known as Trout Creek. These conditions provide the Chardonnay fruit with the long period necessary to nurture vivid varietal character.
Block 22 unfolds along rocky alluvium soils and provides a fruit-forward core to the final blend.
