- Wines
2017 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
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 Franc
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Gist Ranch Estate
Acid
6.1
pH
3.53
Alcohol %
14.8
Other Notes
The 2017 Merlot is a rich, exuberant wine. Super-ripe black cherry, cloves, chocolate, licorice and sweet oak are front and center. This flamboyant wine is not exactly subtle, but it sure packs plenty of punch. - 90 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous