This is one of those wines that’s a little soft and heavy by itself, but when paired with the right food, it will explode. Made from Syrah, Malbec and Petite Sirah, it’s bone dry, with blackberry, red currant, bacon and white pepper flavors that are wrapped into firm tannins and finished with a touch of smoky oak. It begs for a simple, sweet, charcoal-grilled steak.
— S.H.
(12/31/2012)
A really nice Syrah, especially at this price. It’s dry, softly tannic and enormously rich in blackberry and cherry-pie filling, red licorice, beef jerky, black pepper and sandalwood flavors. A real pleasure to drink now if you’re looking for a medium-bodied red.
— S.H.
(2/1/2011)
Malbec is difficult to make well on its own in California, but Ancient Peaks keeps trying, with steadily improving results. This ’09 is attractive—mellow and soft, with a generous cherry flavor balanced by a rich earthiness.
— S.H.
(12/1/2012)
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this is bone dry and full bodied, and it strikes the palate with rustic tannins. It has a complexity that’s hard to define, and it will pair well with grilled meats or stews.
— S.H.
(4/1/2013)
Here’s a soft, rich red wine that satisfies for its velvety mouthfeel and complex flavors. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it offers blackberry, currant, bacon, dark chocolate and black pepper notes that finish smooth and long. Advances the argument for these unusual blends from Paso Robles.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
This winery’s best bottlings are its red blends, and this is certainly one of them. Made from a unique combination of Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot, it’s bone dry, deeply tannic and sweet in blackberries, plums, herbs, tobacco, bacon and sandalwood. The tannins suggest drinking with rich meats and cheeses.
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
Shows some real class and distinction, with velvety-smooth tannins and a nice touch of smoky cedar framing well-developed flavors of black cherry candy, red currants and spices. One of the best Merlots to come out of Paso Robles lately, at a fair price.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
A smooth, lush wine that feels soft and velvety in the mouth. It has complex flavors of black and red cherries, currants, mocha, bacon, anise, black pepper and sandalwood, with some fruity sweetness on the finish. Impressive. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel should hold and improve for several more years.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)