Winemaker Mike Sinor at Ancient Peaks

Vino magazine calls winemaker Mike Sinor a "rock star" in recognition of the huge scores his wines have garnered, including the 96 point score Wine Spectator awarded the Chamisal Vineyards Califa Pinot Noir he made for Domain Alfred, the highest score ever for a Central Coast Pinot. He's continued winning accolades at Ancient Peaks in Santa Margarita and he was named "Winemaker of the Year" in 2012.

We will taste:
2018 Ancient Peaks Chardonnay
The 2018 Chardonnay offers enticing tropical aromas of pineapple, papaya and banana with suggestions of citrus and spice. A soft, seamless texture continues on a tropical note, with accentuating layers of peach, apricot and green apple. A smooth, integrated finish is enlivened by crisp acidity and lingering minerality. (usual retail $19)

2018 Ancient Peaks Rosé—Modeled after the refreshingly dry Rosés of Europe, the 2018 Rosé is made wholly from Pinot Noir from our estate Margarita Vineyard. The 2018 Rose opens with summery aromas of jasmine, peach and fresh-cut grapefruit. A mouthwatering texture delivers light yet lively flavors of stone fruit, pear, raspberry and watermelon. The finish is delightfully dry, crisp and quenching with lingering hints of lime zest.(usual retail $28)

2017 Ancient Peaks Pinot Noir—Notes to follow. (usual retail $32)

2017 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon
90 Points! Wilfred Wong: "The Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Paso Robles' most consistent wines from year to year. The 2017 vintage commands excellent presence. This wine is well-built and nicely textured. It is up-front and bold black in its fruit aromas, and its flavors stay steady through the palate and into the finish. Pair it with a Creole-spiced, grilled lamb chop." (usual retail $22)

2016 Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge
93 Points! Wine Enthusiast: "Concentrated aromas of blackberry jam, game, charred wood and cocoa show on the dynamic nose of this blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. The palate is hearty and meaty, offering flavors of blackberry syrup, woody incense and sandalwood, along with roasted beef. " (usual retail $60)

We'll have our usual dessert competition: bring a dessert to share—the winner for "Best Dessert" by popular vote will win a bottle of Ancient Peaks wine!

SAVE YOUR SPOT by clicking the "Attend" button. I need the count for lunch by Friday, January 3, so RSVP today!

Ancient Peaks is the only winery in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA and their Margarita Vineyard boasts five diverse soil types. Few vineyards contain such a wide range of geologic diversity. Combined with sustainable vineyard practices, a pronounced marine influence and extended growing season, Ancient Peaks wines display excellent fruit, texture and varietal authenticity.

This is part of our Wine Weekend experience. Join us for all events or just this tasting:

1. Jan. 4th at 11 am: Wine tasting with El Lugar's Coby Parker Garcia at The Petal Club: https://www.meetup.com/Inside-Wine-Santa-Barbara/events/267460533/
2. Jan. 4th evening: Special discount stay in executive suites at the La Quinta Inn & Resort (https://www.meetup.com/Inside-Wine-Santa-Barbara/events/267380186/)
3. Jan. 4th evening:Sensorio art (https://www.meetup.com/Inside-Wine-Santa-Barbara/events/267197855/)
4. Jan. 5th at 11 am: Lunch and winemaker wine tasting at Ancient Peaks. If you can only make the Ancient Peaks tasting and not the rest of the Wine Weekend, no worries! It's about a 1 3/4 hour trip up to Ancient Peaks through beautiful wine country, so a nice way to spend a day!

Looking forward to seeing you! Tama