- Wines
2017 Gist Ranch Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas: Cherry Kiafa, damp earth, leather, wet leaves, tobacco
Flavors: Cherry liqueur, cherry bitters, cherry pie, green olive, black licorice
Profile: Cherriness, exuberant texture, bright acid. Pair with cheddar burgers and caramelized onions, flank steak with cherry balsamic or stuffed peppers
Tasting notes provided by Laura Ness, wine writer
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
Record setting rain replenished our dry soils after 4 continuous years of drought. Yet, it was also another year of record setting heat with an exceptionally torrid Labor Day weekend. Spring was mild, allowing us to pick the best crop we’ve seen since 2012. This was a vintage of good yields and great quality.
Technical Data
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Gist Ranch Estate
Acid
6.1
pH
3.63
Alcohol %
15
Other Notes
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is potent, deep and also super-expressive. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, gravel, cloves and licorice build in a Cabernet endowed with a good deal of substance. There's quite a bit of tannin, but it is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. The 2017 can be enjoyed now for its youthful intensity or cellared, for readers who enjoy Cabernets with more aromatic complexity. The imposing tannins may never fully soften. - 91 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous