- Wines
2021 Gist Ranch Estate Cabernet Franc
Vineyard
The Lexington wines are sourced from the Gist Ranch Estate located in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains. 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. Harvest began for Pinot Noir in early September, an average historical starting date. Sugar and acidity levels tracked well, and while the 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 Franc
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Gist Ranch Estate
Acid
6.1
pH
3.55
Alcohol %
14.8
Other Notes
92 points. The 2021 Cabernet Franc Gist Ranch Estate straddles the line between Old World and New with aplomb. Varietal earthy red strawberry, redcurrant, tobacco and clack olive tones announce that this is Franc. The 13% Merlot in the blend brings plummy spice and plushness to the table and keeps this from verging into the great pyrazinic unknown where fruit goes to die. If I have a slight complaint, it's that the tannins are a bit too chalky, but this is full of character and quite unique. - Billy Norris, Vinous