Ancient Peaks Chardonnay

OVERVIEW
Our estate Margarita Vineyard is cradled along the coastal Santa Lucia Mountains just
14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, amid one of the Paso Robles region’s coolest
growing environments, conditions are optimal for producing a varietally true Chardonnay
with a singular sense of place. We aim to strike a fine balance between the leaner and
richer styles of Chardonnay, all with the intent to create a versatile, food-friendly wine.
MARGARITA VINEYARD
The 2022 Chardonnay comes from blocks 22 and 37 at Margarita Vineyard. Block
37 occupies a northeast-facing flank of the vineyard, where the morning and afternoon
temperatures are particularly cool. Here, brisk marine air settles after flowing through a
mountain notch known as Trout Creek. These conditions provide our Chardonnay fruit with
the long period necessary to nurture vivid varietal character. Block 22 unfolds along rocky
alluvium soils and provides a fruit-forward core to the final blend. Margarita Vineyard stands
alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, and as the only vineyard in the
new Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. The surrounding mountain peaks act as a gateway for cool
marine air, resulting in an extended growing season that yields fruit with uncommon depth
and structure. The peaks are also testaments to the tectonic forces that created Margarita
Vineyard’s rare diversity of soils, ultimately fostering natural complexity in our wines.
WINEMAKING
The 2022 growing season was moderate through mid-summer in the wake of dry winter
conditions. A sustained heat wave landed on Labor Day weekend, and the Chardonnay
fruit was harvested shortly thereafter to lock in vibrancy and freshness. Block 22 was
harvested on September 6, and Block 37 followed on September 8. After harvesting
and light pressing, 86 percent of the juice was cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks for
the preservation of delicate aromatics and bright fruit flavors. The remainder was barrelfermented and aged on the lees in 30-percent new oak to add roundness, texture and
complexity. This oak-aged lot also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation and
consistent lees stirring, which ultimately lent a touch of creaminess to the wine.
TASTING NOTES
The 2022 Chardonnay presents vibrant aromas of baked apple, tropical fruit, quince and
caramel. Soft, sultry textures unfold with flavors of pear, apricot, lime and caramelized spices.
The mouthfeel is exquisitely weighted, achieving a masterful balance of tangy energy, fresh
acidity and creamy undertones that carry long into the finish.
CUISINE PAIRING
The 2022 Chardonnay’s beautiful weight and complexity make it a perfect match for grilled
salmon, lemon-baked cod, chicken risotto and creamy pastas.

VINEYARD:
Margarita Vineyard
SOIL TYPE:
Granitic
VARIETAL COMPOSITION:
Chardonnay (100%)
HARVEST DATES:
September 6 (Block 22)
September 8 (Block 37)
AGING REGIMEN:
7 months in stainless steel (86%)
and French oak (14%)
FINAL ANALYSIS:
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.68
TA: .74