- Wines
2018 Gist Ranch Estate Merlot
Vineyard
The vineyard was densely planted in the year 2000 at elevations reaching 2300 feet above sea level, 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The heavily fractured, vaqueros sandstone soils and unique mountain micro-climate produce singular, deeply concentrated wines that demonstrate the power and elegance of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.
Winemaker Notes
2018 was another dry but not particularly warm winter; this changed in early February. A high-pressure system brought daytime temperatures into the 70’s, warming the soil and initiating bud break at some vineyard sites. In March, a cold front settled in and brought nighttime temperatures down to freezing, risking frost damage to the new shoot growth. These ‘false’ springs have become much more common in recent years. Summer was mild, leading to a marginally later harvest. The concentrated wines are poised and complex with depth and structure.
Technical Data
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Gist Ranch Estate
Acid
5.6
pH
3.55
Alcohol %
14.6
Other Notes
The 2018 Merlot marries forward fruit with mountain structure. Crushed red berries, spice, new leather and mocha lend nuance to this mid-weight, understated Merlot. All the elements are very nicely balanced. - 92 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous