Margarita Vineyard is the only vineyard located in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is distinguished by one of the coolest, longest growing seasons in the Paso Robles region. It also features a rare diversity of five soil types, a testament to the tectonic friction that created the surrounding Santa Lucia mountain peaks: ancient sea bed, shale, volcanic, rocky alluvium, granitic.
Grapes were first grown at Santa Margarita Ranch by Franciscan missionaries in 1780. California’s original El Camino Real, the 600-mile “Mission Trail” connecting the state’s 21 missions, ran right through the ranch. In the 1800s, the ranch was a stagecoach stop for Wells Fargo and other stage lines traveling down El Camino Real. Even today, Santa Margarita maintains the ambiance of a classic Wild West outpost.
We will sample:
Sauvignon Blanc 2020 — The grapes come from Block 41, one of the coolest locations in the vineyard, and the vineyard itself is in the coolest location in Paso Robles. There’s a lot of cool marine air that flows through this spot. The soil profile is rocky alluvium: gravel with elements of clay, silt and sand that was created by ancient water flow and erosive phenomena. This has resulted in a richer soil profile that lends itself to dry farming, which results in pure plush fruit flavors. The signature minerality in this Sauvignon Blanc is largely an outcome of the cool growing conditions, which are perfect for making an authentic, highly aromatic wine with native minerality. $18.99/$7
Merlot 2018 — Merlot has been a mainstay in this small family of wines since day one. Here, ancient sea bed soils combine with a long growing season to yield a Merlot with silky dark fruit flavors and a luscious texture. Warm aromas of boysenberry, plum and toasted oak with hints of violet and baking spice. A broad, velvety mouthfeel unfolds with flavors of black cherry, blackberry and creamy vanilla with hints of minerality. Gravelly tannins and fine acidity add stature to a deep, chewy finish. $21.99/$8
Zinfandel 2018 — 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. Bright boysenberry aromas with hints of sandalwood and vanilla. A juicy, jammy texture is loaded with generous flavors of wild raspberry, black cherry, plum, mocha, and cedar. Spicy black pepper notes join mouthwatering acidity on a beautifully balanced finish. $22.99/$8
Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs.