- Wines
2020 Gist Ranch Estate 'Alma'
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
A mostly mild but dry season was permeated by dry lightning and wind. On August 16th, the CZU fire burned within 10 miles of the winery. Smoke originally blew towards the coast but changed direction after the first week of the fire, enveloping the vineyards and affecting the character of the fruit. We made the gut-wrenching decision that no red wine was to be bottled from the vintage. The compounds contained within the skins were displaying very characteristic smoky flavors and texture. We concluded that if we were careful in pressing (using lower pressure in the press and pressing the grapes immediately) we could make white wines that escaped the smokey characteristics found in the reds. While our losses in the vineyard pale in comparison to the loss of home and life from the fire, it was a heartbreaking year, nonetheless.
Technical Data
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Gist Ranch Estate
Acid
7.9
pH
3.06
Alcohol %
12.3
Other Notes
Subtle aromas of beeswax, lemon rind and cut grass make for a delicate but detailed nose on this blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon. The plate is brisk and energetic with sourgrass, honeydew and white flower flavors, recalling a sunny spring day. — 92 points. Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast