Ancient Peaks Winery, Santa Margarita Ranch – Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) 2020

 This is a seriously underpriced wine from an estate located in the southeastern part of Paso Robles that continues to impress by making very good wines to take advantage of what appears to be an excellent property.  A blend of Syrah (67%), Petit Verdot (27) and Malbec (6%), it comes across very much like a northern Rhône Syrah in flavor, structure and quality.  It begins with tart, savory blackberry flavors than blend into the root-cellar flavors that gives earthiness a good name.  This is a terroir wine in all aspects, and I would love to have it with rare duck breast with a green-olive sauce.