Ancient Peaks
Zinfandel
Ancient Peaks
Zinfandel
Margarita Vineyard has become renowned for producing one of Paso Robles’ most acclaimed Zinfandels. Here, amid one of the region’s coolest growing environments, the Zinfandel grape achieves a rare balance of robust flavors and elegant structure. Zinfandel has been a cornerstone variety of Paso Robles for more than 100 years, and Ancient Peaks is proud to feature it in their small family of wines.
Wine Production
The Zinfandel is crafted with the aim to create a wine that faithfully reflects the terroir of Margarita Vineyard, balancing varietal richness with an elevated sense of elegance and spice. Prior to fermentation, the separate lots are cold soaked for 48 hours for a soft extraction of flavor and color. After fermentation and light pressing, these lots are racked to a combination of French and American oak barrels (20% new oak), where they age for 16 months prior to blending and bottling. The barrels are minimally racked during aging to preserve varietal aromatics.
Tasting Notes
The Zinfandel entices the nose with fresh aromas of crushed raspberry, sandalwood, vanilla cream, and coffee. A soft, spicy mouthfeel unfolds with juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry, brambleberry, and black plum. Secondary hints of dried rosemary and earthy leather bring added complexity to the wine’s fruit forward character, while peppery notes linger on a smooth, rounded finish. A Zinfandel of depth and finesse.
Food Pairing
The richly flavored yet elegant character of the Zinfandel makes it versatile with food. Suggested pairings include rustic sausage flatbread, lamb chops with rosemary, barbacoa tacos, and turkey with cranberry sauce.
Margarita Vineyard has become renowned for producing one of Paso Robles’ most acclaimed Zinfandels. Here, amid one of the region’s coolest growing environments, the Zinfandel grape achieves a rare balance of robust flavors and elegant structure. Zinfandel has been a cornerstone variety of Paso Robles for more than 100 years, and Ancient Peaks is proud to feature it in their small family of wines.
Wine Production
The Zinfandel is crafted with the aim to create a wine that faithfully reflects the terroir of Margarita Vineyard, balancing varietal richness with an elevated sense of elegance and spice. Prior to fermentation, the separate lots are cold soaked for 48 hours for a soft extraction of flavor and color. After fermentation and light pressing, these lots are racked to a combination of French and American oak barrels (20% new oak), where they age for 16 months prior to blending and bottling. The barrels are minimally racked during aging to preserve varietal aromatics.
Tasting Notes
The Zinfandel entices the nose with fresh aromas of crushed raspberry, sandalwood, vanilla cream, and coffee. A soft, spicy mouthfeel unfolds with juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry, brambleberry, and black plum. Secondary hints of dried rosemary and earthy leather bring added complexity to the wine’s fruit forward character, while peppery notes linger on a smooth, rounded finish. A Zinfandel of depth and finesse.
Food Pairing
The richly flavored yet elegant character of the Zinfandel makes it versatile with food. Suggested pairings include rustic sausage flatbread, lamb chops with rosemary, barbacoa tacos, and turkey with cranberry sauce.
Brand Materials
Vineyard & Production Info
Winemaking & Aging
Analytical Data
About the Vineyard
The Zinfandel grapes come from two separate blocks, with each contributing to a larger sense of character and complexity in the finished wine. Block 49D sets the tone with jammy fruit flavors derived from hilltop exposures. Into this mix comes the first full crop of Zinfandel from the new Quarry section of Margarita Vineyard, which is planted to the Primitivo clone. The fruit from this block is distinguished by its dark hues and intense black fruit flavors.
