Ancient Peaks Zinfandel
Wine Description
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.
Acclaim
Vineyard & Production Info
Winemaking & Aging
Analytical Data
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.
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.
