Ancient Peaks 'Santa Margarita Ranch' Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California

From the coastal ridges of the Santa Lucia Mountains comes the 2022 Ancient Peaks ‘Santa Margarita Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine forged by the push and pull of ocean air and mountain stone. Here, 14 miles from the Pacific, the vines at Margarita Vineyard root deep into ancient seabed, Monterey shale, and rocky alluvium, drawing out an intensity of flavor that feels both wild and refined. This is Paso Robles Cabernet in its purest form: bold yet balanced, polished yet untamed, a testament to place, patience, and precision.

Product Details:

• Owner: Rob Rossi, Doug Filipponi, and Karl Wittstrom
• Winemakers: Mike Sinor (Founding Winemaker), Stewart Cameron (Head Winemaker), & Stewart Cameron (Assistant Winemaker)
• Vineyard: Margarita Vineyard
• Varietal Composition: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot
• Soil Type: Ancient seabed, Monterey shale, and rocky alluvium
• Vineyard Elevation: 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, nestled in the Santa Lucia foothills
• Harvest Dates: October 4–18, 2022
• Fermentation: Cold-soaked for 48 hours before fermentation for gentle extraction
• Aging: 20 months in French and American oak barrels (25% new)
• Alcohol: 14.2%
• Total Acidity (TA): 0.63 g/100mL
• pH: 3.63
• Farming Practice: Sustainable, estate-grown

Sensory Description:

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with expressive layers of plum, boysenberry, and red currant lifted by nuances of black olive, caramel, and toasted oak. On the palate, it reveals a broad, full-bodied texture brimming with flavors of blueberry, cherry, cassis, and violet. Subtle threads of graphite, sage, and eucalyptus lend an earthy complexity, while fine tannins and lively acidity extend the finish with notes of mocha, vanilla bean, and warm spice. The result is a wine of remarkable balance and depth, powerful yet polished, with the signature minerality that defines Margarita Vineyard.

Winemaker's Background:

Ancient Peaks Winery was founded by three longtime friends, Rob Rossi, Doug Filipponi, and Karl Wittstrom, united by a passion for showcasing the unique terroir of Santa Margarita Ranch. Under the expert hand of winemaker Mike Sinor, the estate’s wines reflect the character of their extreme environment: cool Pacific breezes, rugged terrain, and soils formed by the uplift of an ancient sea. Together, this partnership has turned Ancient Peaks into one of Paso Robles’ most respected names, known for crafting wines of power, purity, and place.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 17–18°C (62–65°F). The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with lamb chops, filet mignon, and steak au poivre. It’s equally at home beside mushroom risotto, grilled portobello mushrooms, or aged cheddar, dishes that echo the wine’s savory complexity and polished tannic structure.

The 2022 Ancient Peaks ‘Santa Margarita Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a striking example of Paso Robles’ evolution, a Cabernet born of the mountains and sea, crafted with care, and destined to leave a lasting impression.