Wines of the Month - March 2020

Join us from 12-5 on Saturday to taste the selections below! Click here to RSVP!

• Ancient Peaks, 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
• Ancient Peaks, 2017 Zinfandel
• Casa Agricola Pepe Mendoza, 2018 Blanco
• Casa Agricola Pepe Mendoza, 2017 Tinto

About the Vineyards

Ancient Peaks Vineyards

Ancient Peaks is a family owned winery showcasing estate varietals from Margarita Vineyard. Our estate Margarita Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked against the Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here the vines unfold along a rare array of five distinct soil types- ancient sea bed, rocky alluvium, shale, volcanic and granitic. The resulting wines express an unmistakable sense of place with flavors that are native to Margarita Vineyard and its stand alone Santa Margarita Ranch Sub Appellation. The tectonic geological forces and cool growing region produce fruit with inherent balance, natural complexity, and rich varietal flavors. Ancient Peaks Winery is owned by three longtime local winegrowing and ranching families- the Filipponis, Rossis, and Wittstroms. Two generations are actively involved in the daily operations of the vineyard and winery. The wines are crafted under the guidance of Mike Sinor, a local winemaking veteran and one of the highest-rated winemakers on the Central Coast. Together the Ancient Peaks team is committed to making wines that honor the extraordinary character and flavors of Margarita Vineyard.

Casa Agricola Pepe Mendoza

One of the most respected winemakers in southeast Spain, Pepe Mendoza is well-known for being the driving force behind Enrique Mendoza, the family winery. They were among the first to plant Syrah and other international varieties in the region to make high quality reds, but they gradually returned to work with local grapes, specially Monastrell. His latest project is Casa Agrícola, a very personal project launched alongside his wife Pepa Agulló. Casa Agrícola has a strong focus on local and Mediterranean grape varieties (Syrah is part of one of the blends) sourced from their own vineyards (only 5% of the grapes are bought). They lie mostly in the inner Alto Vinalopó region near Villena, where they grow 10 hectares of Monastrell, Syrah and Macabeo; and the sea-influenced Marina Alta, where the dominant grapes are Moscatel and Giró (this one has traditionally been considered to be the same as Garnacha but some producers now claim that it might be a particular clone or an altogether new variety).

Tasting Notes

Ancient Peaks, 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a vivid varietal character that is rooted in our estate Margarita Vineyard. Here, amid one of the Paso Robles region’s coolest growing environments, the Sauvignon Blanc grape achieves a fine balance of ripeness and raciness, with crisp acidity and appealing mineral accents. Made from 100% Sauvignon it is aged for 8 months in stainless steel tanks. The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant aromas of guava, jasmine, apricot and lemon rind. A juicy texture reveals luscious stone fruit flavors complemented by quenching notes of lime and mineral. Notes of spice join crisp acidity on a clean, refreshing finish.

With its buoyant fruit and clean minerality, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is food friendly by nature. Suggested pairings include fresh oysters, seared scallops, light pastas, grilled chicken and sole with butter and lemon.

Ancient Peaks, 2017 Zinfandel

Our estate 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 we are proud to feature it in our small family of wines. Made from 100% Zinfandel and aged for 18 months in French, American and Hungarian oak barrels, the alcohol on this one is high at 15%. The 2017 Zinfandel presents bright boysenberry aromas with hints of sandalwood and vanilla. A juicy, jammy texture is loaded with generous flavors of wild raspberry, black cherry, plum, mocha and cedar. Spicy black pepper notes join mouthwatering acidity on a beautifully balanced finish.

The juicy, spicy character of the 2017 Zinfandel is a perfect match for fine comfort foods, including grilled chicken flatbread, Italian sausages, Santa Maria-style tri-tip and Pepper Jack cheeseburgers.

Casa Agricola Pepe Mendoza, 2018 Blanco

The Moscatel, Macabeo and Airén varieties of Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Blanco are cultivated in a sustainable way in different plots in Alicante, located in the coastal area (Marina Alta) and inland area (Alto Vinalopó). A traditional agriculture that, together with the Mediterranean climate, manages to extract the best of each of the varieties.

Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Blanco 2017 is a white wine with aromas of white flowers, fennel and chamomile on the nose. On the palate it is fresh and fruity, with calcareous and salty notes. Pair with smoked dishes, cod and vegetables.

Casa Agricola Pepe Mendoza, 2017 Tinto

The mourvedre (monastrell) used to make Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Tinto wine are grown organically and in a sustainable manner, applying traditional techniques that respect the vine and the environment. The whole grain and the stems are included in fermentation, in order to respect the fruit as much as possible. Native yeasts are used for fermentation, and it is aged for six months in French oak barrels with a highly measured wood contribution. Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Tinto 2017 reveals notes of coppice, pine and refreshing balsamic elements. On the palate it has very good balance, with freshness and a good weight in the mouth. Drink from 2019 – 2022. Perfect to pair with Spring Lamb dishes.