- Wines
2021 Gist Ranch Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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
The 2021 vintage was a welcome change from the catastrophe of 2020, which saw devastating fires throughout the region. Sugar and acidity levels tracked well and while crop size was shorter than we would prefer, we were able to harvest perfectly ripened fruit at a reasonable pace. The resulting wines have excellent balance and intensity. In comparison to our most recent vintages, there are some similarities to 2019 in that the wines possess great elegance and site specificity.
Technical Data
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Gist Ranch Estate
Acid
6.4
pH
3.48
Alcohol %
15.2
Other Notes
93 points. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Gist Ranch is so attractive right out of the gate. Picture sweet, ultra-ripe blackberries that, for some reason, you find rolling around on a forrest floor - there you go! A bit of Franc (14.5%) in the blend adds lift and just the right amount of herbaceousness, but the 10.5% Merlot brings it home and keeps things plush and soft. The oak sits a little ahead of the other elements today, but I do not doubt that it will withdraw into the framework of the wine in due time. Give it a few years in the cellar to settle in, then let it ride. As a note, the 15.1% alcohol here is practically imperceptible. - Billy Norris, Vinous