October Domestic Wine: 2011 Ancient Peaks Merlot, Paso Robles, CALIFORNIA
How can a $20 Merlot from Paso Robles taste this good? Frankly, Paso’s usually too hot to make distinguished Merlots, and too many end up tasting like mediocre zinfandels. But Ancient Peaks is located in the coolest part of Paso Robles, on the extreme southern end near the town of Santa Margarita. Cool ocean breezes flow past San Luis Obispo up the Cuesta Grade and keep Ancient Peaks’ vineyard cooler than most others in Paso, so Bordeaux varieties like Merlot do very well there. Surprisingly smooth, rich and classically Merlot in flavor, this wine offers a lot of quality for the money.
A Little About Ancient Peaks: Eons ago, the ocean floor rose as the coastal plates collided, forging the tall peaks surrounding their sustainably farmed Margarita Vineyard on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Over time, these same geologic forces blessed them with five distinct soil zones–ancient sea bed, sedimentary, shale, volcanic and granitic—that bring profound flavor and complexity to our wines.
About Merlot: A very popular red grape varietal found in the great wines of St. Emilion and Pomerol. It is the most planted variety in Bordeaux, and it has also become an extremely fashionable red in many regions including California. Although it has a reputation to be smooth, and easy to drink when young, Merlot is also capable of producing extremely intense wines as well. It is often used as a blending agent with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Varietals: 100% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.5% by volume
Food Pairings: Recommended pairings include roasted rack of lamb, rosemary pork tenderloin and pan-seared rib eye steak.
Tasting Notes: The 2011 Merlot offers deep, velvety flavors of plum and cassis with accents of dark mocha.
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “Wow! A rich and powerful power pack of a wine! A decadent Merlot. This wine is made to drink with all red meats, especially barbeque. Definitely a Cabernet lover’s Merlot!”-JL