Ancient Peaks

California

2020

Oyster Ridge

Santa Margarita Ranch

$60 USD

Release Price

Drink Window

14.9%

ABV

3.87

pH

5.9

TA

RS

Nose

The 2018 Oyster Ridge bursts from the glass with an abundant display of both red and black fruits, all underpinned by notes of violet, graphite, caramel and black olive.

Palate

An impressively integrated palate reveals seamless flavors of black cherry, plum, red currant and cassis. The mouthfeel is broad and deep, combining approachability with staying power. Hints of toasted oak, tobacco, mocha and spice awaken toward the finish, while sleek, polished tannins and measured acidity carry the experience to a triumphant conclusion.

Growing Conditions

- VINEYARD: Margarita Vineyard
- SOIL TYPE: Ancient Sea Bed

Margarita Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, nestled into the rugged Santa Lucia Mountain range just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the new Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. The proliferation of sea fossils at Oyster Ridge is the most vivid example of the complex geology found at Margarita Vineyard. This namesake Oyster Ridge blend comes from specific spots at Margarita Vineyard that have proven to produce remarkable fruit. The 2018 vintage is driven by Cabernet Sauvignon from the hilltop of Block 49, which produces small, intensely flavored berries with an elegant red-blue fruit character; and from the upper portion of Block 50, which yields a powerful black-blue fruit spectrum. Equally specific selection was applied to the other varieties that round out this classic Bordeaux-style blend. All vineyard subsections designated for Oyster Ridge are isolated at the start of the growing season, and they are fastidiously tended to maximize the fruit’s potential and meet the standards of the Oyster Ridge program.

A cool start to the 2018 growing season was followed by the “March Miracle”—a drought-ending storm that delivered 10 inches of rain to Margarita Vineyard.

Harvest

- October 16 (Merlot, Block 7)
- November 5 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Block 50 Upper)
- November 6 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Block 49 Hilltop)
- November 12 (Petit Verdot, Block 35)
- November 16 (Cabernet Franc, Block 9)
- November 20 (Malbec, Block 45A)

Winemaking

This set the tone for a long, steady growing season, with the Malbec in the 2018 Oyster Ridge marking the end of harvest when it was picked on November 20. Ninety percent of this blend was fermented in 10-ton fermenters
to generate added thermal energy for enhanced extraction. After fermentation, each lot was aged separately for 24 months in premium French oak barrels, inclusive of 85 percent new oak. The final blend was assembled from only those barrels that exhibited exemplary complexity, structure and aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon is predominant with broad, polished layers and classic varietal expression. The Petit Verdot contributes color, structure and aromatic nuances of cedar and pencil shavings. Malbec adds undertones of juicy red fruit, while the Cabernet Franc enlivens the aromatic profile with suggestions of violets and savory spice. A touch of Merlot adds lift and silkiness to the palate.

Aging

- 24 Months in French (95%) and American (5%) oak barrels
- 85% new oak

More from this Producer

Ancient PeaksCabernet Sauvignon

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with heady aromas of black raspberry, cherry, sage and tobacco leaf. A juicy, mouth filling texture reveals seamless layers of currant, cherry, blueberry, dark plum and black olive with trailing hints of mocha, mineral and eucalyptus. Suggestions of vanilla bean join soft tannins on a smooth, rounded finish.

Ancient PeaksZinfandel

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.

Ancient PeaksMerlot

Merlot offers sleek aromas of plum, cherry and mocha with captivating hints of toasted oak. A bright, supple texture floods the palate with brambly flavors of blackberry, black cherry and pomegranate. Layered complexity is revealed with suggestions of cedar and cigar box, all converging on a luscious, lifted finish

Ancient PeaksRenegade

Renegade comes from our estate Margarita Vineyard on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. From missionaries to gunslingers, roughriders to outlaws, a colorful cast of characters has traversed the ranch’s rugged terrain since the 18th century. In that spirit, we have made an intensely flavored blend that pushes the envelope and resists conformity, adding an adventurous twist to our family of wines. Defiantly bold and daringly elegant—this is Renegade.

Ancient PeaksChardonnay

Chardonnay opens with tropical aromas of pineapple and mango with trailing notes of pear and wet stone. A sleek, soft palate shows flavors of nectarine and lemon chiffon with a suggestion of caramel. A touch of minerality joins light acidity on a smooth, elegant finish.

Ancient PeaksRosé

Rosé is presented as a limited release for the spring and summer season. Modeled after the refreshingly dry Rosés popularized in Europe, the Rosé is made from Pinot Noir grown at our estate Margarita Vineyard.

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