At a glance

Producer

Lexington Wine Co.

Region

Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$44–$55

Tasting profile

Aromas of wild cherry, raspberry, tobacco leaf, graphite, dried herbs, and baking spice. The palate is vibrant, focused, with red and black fruit, forest floor, fresh acidity, and integrated tannins.

Evolution: With age, the wine develops more herbal, earthy, and savory notes (sage, pencil shavings, leather), while retaining freshness and elegance.

At peak: Between 2024–2030, expect complex interplay of fruit, spice, and savory secondary notes, silky texture, and elegant, lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Elevated, lively and refreshing

Tannins

Medium to medium-high, fine-grained

Alcohol

Moderate (13.5–14%)

Aging potential

10–15 years from vintage, particularly in top vintages and well-cellared examples.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2033

Current status

Maturing, with many years of cellaring potential

Current condition

Showing both youthful fruit and developing savory complexity; enjoyable now with decanting, but will gain depth with 2–5 more years of aging.

Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Franc from Lexington's Gist Ranch Estate is known for its structure, high-altitude freshness, and cellar-worthiness. The 2018 vintage is especially age-worthy due to a classic growing season—expect at least 12–15 years' graceful evolution.

Food pairing

Ideal with herb-roasted lamb, duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled pork, mushroom risotto, and ratatouille. Pairs well with medium-aged cheeses and dishes featuring rosemary or sage.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow primary fruit and herbal aromatics to open up and to soften youthful tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Lexington/Windy Oaks/Thomas Fogarty family employs dry farming where possible, composting, minimal chemical use, cover cropping, natural pest control, and solar energy use. Focus on preserving hillside native habitat and efficient water management.

Lexington Gist Ranch Estate follows advanced sustainability practices typical of progressive Santa Cruz Mountains producers. Farming avoids synthetic pesticides/herbicides, emphasizes biodiversity, composting, and careful water/energy management. While not certified organic or biodynamic, estate certification and transparent sustainable protocols deliver a strong overall sustainability profile—higher than most California wineries.