Review: Wines of Ancient Peaks, 2026 Releases

We cover the wines of Paso Robles’ Ancient Peaks with regularity, so these 2026 offerings should not come as a surprise. The value present in these bottlings, however, is more of a shock…

2024 Ancient Peaks Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles – Quite tropical at first, this wine moves into grassier territory, with a slight astringency developing late in the game. Gentle white florals complement an emerging and insistent lemon peel character, giving the wine a clean, crisp finish. A- / $20

2024 Ancient Peaks Chardonnay Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch – Vanilla-laced but far from overwhelming, this is a refreshing and easygoing chardonnay with layers of vanilla, lychee, and honeysuckle — though all are quite balanced and restrained. Emerging lemon notes on the finish give the wine a custard-like quality, though it’s never overly sweet or overly woody. Pairs perfectly with lighter fare, though the rich body can hold up to spice and richness. Outstanding value. A- / $20

2023 Ancient Peaks Zinfandel Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch – This is a wine we’ve seen many times before, and this 2023 expression doesn’t change the formula dramatically — though it does build on its previous iterations. Notes of black cherries in syrup and chocolate sauce are expected and provide something of a holiday vibe — but it’s one which is quite sweet but also balanced by a gentle tartness. Those cherry notes and some light, herbal greenery inform a finish that feels a bit more elevated than previous renditions, although now at 15% abv, it’s certainly not because of any lighthandedness in the vineyard. A- / $24

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