Ancient Peaks
Merlot
Ancient Peaks
Merlot
Merlot excels at Margarita Vineyard and has been a mainstay in Ancient Peaks' small family of wines since day one. Here, ancient sea bed soils combine with a long growing season to yield a Merlot with silky fruit flavors and luscious textures, resulting in what has become one of the Paso Robles region’s most notable Merlots.
Wine Production
The Merlot is crafted with the goal of capturing the signature velvety fruit character of Merlot while showcasing the cooler climate nuances and structure inherent to Margarita Vineyard. After harvesting and destemming, each lot is cold soaked for 48 hours prior to fermentation for a gentle extraction of initial color and flavor. After fermentation and light pressing, the lots are aged for 17 months in a combination of French (50%) and American (50%) oak barrels, 25% of which features new oak. French and American oak barrels are combined to cultivate complementary flavor profiles that enhance overall wine complexity.
Tasting Notes
The Merlot opens with enticing red fruit aromas joined by hints of dried herbs and toasted oak. A round, supple texture delivers mouthfilling flavors of raspberry, plum, black cherry, cocoa dust, and baking spice. Lingering complexities of cedar and mushroom elevate the senses on a silky, polished finish.
Food Pairing
The rounded textures and complex flavors of the Merlot pair well with rack of lamb, herbed roast beef, mushroom risotto, and Merlot-braised pork chops.
Merlot excels at Margarita Vineyard and has been a mainstay in Ancient Peaks' small family of wines since day one. Here, ancient sea bed soils combine with a long growing season to yield a Merlot with silky fruit flavors and luscious textures, resulting in what has become one of the Paso Robles region’s most notable Merlots.
Wine Production
The Merlot is crafted with the goal of capturing the signature velvety fruit character of Merlot while showcasing the cooler climate nuances and structure inherent to Margarita Vineyard. After harvesting and destemming, each lot is cold soaked for 48 hours prior to fermentation for a gentle extraction of initial color and flavor. After fermentation and light pressing, the lots are aged for 17 months in a combination of French (50%) and American (50%) oak barrels, 25% of which features new oak. French and American oak barrels are combined to cultivate complementary flavor profiles that enhance overall wine complexity.
Tasting Notes
The Merlot opens with enticing red fruit aromas joined by hints of dried herbs and toasted oak. A round, supple texture delivers mouthfilling flavors of raspberry, plum, black cherry, cocoa dust, and baking spice. Lingering complexities of cedar and mushroom elevate the senses on a silky, polished finish.
Food Pairing
The rounded textures and complex flavors of the Merlot pair well with rack of lamb, herbed roast beef, mushroom risotto, and Merlot-braised pork chops.
Brand Materials
Vineyard & Production Info
Winemaking & Aging
Analytical Data
About the Vineyard
The grapes come from three blocks at Margarita Vineyard that exhibit their own distinct qualities, bringing added dimension to the finished wine. These blocks are situated along the slopes of an uplifted ancient sea bed, which provides the type of highly calcareous soils that are coveted by winemakers worldwide. Block 15 is a newer planting that delivers velvety black fruit flavors. Meanwhile, Block 5 yields a more nuanced character with both softness and power. Finally, Block 7 brings enhanced dark fruit intensity and richness.
