95 points - rare Rare new release from winemaker Jesse Katz one of California's hottest new winemakers under the Devil Proof and Aperture labels. Limited. 95 Points Robert Parker: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Malbec Rockpile Ridge Vineyard delivers a profound nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums and mulberries with nuances of smoked meats, tapenade, dried lavender and raisin cake plus a touch of mocha. Full-bodied, concentrated and full-on decadent, it completely coats the mouth with layered black fruits and exotic spices, framed by firm yet wonderfully ripe, plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy. 640 cases produced." The label was shot by Jesse's father, renowned photograph Andy Katz, in Cuba in the early 90s and is one of his favorite photographs. The expression of the Cuban woman joyfully holding a Cuban cigar in hand says what you need to know about the wine. For his first wine under his first label, Jesse wanted to make a wine that pushed the boundaries. He didn’t want to take the easy road. So, he decided to take a grape varietal that’s not commonly made in California (and when it is made, it’s generally not well-made), stuck to his guns and made a great Malbec.
Matt Sterr
Malbec.
Malbec.
9.4Greg Ballington
Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog
First time trying these Malbecs from Jesse Katz and Devil Proof. Thanks Lauren for cracking these for us! Lush purplish red that completely coats the glass. Rich and dark on the nose with spices, dark cocoa, a bit smoky, mocha and black cassis. Heavy smooth tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Love the texture on the palate with layers of lush dark blackberries, blueberries, cassis, sweet spices and a bit spicy too. Long finish. Drink till 2038. Wow. This is the best Malbec we have ever had from the United States and possibly even from any other wine region. Excellent work Jesse! This is made up of 100% Malbec from the Rockpile Ridge vineyard which is managed by the Mauritson Family and dry farmed. It is aged in 100% new French oak barrels and comes from an elevation of 1,100 feet. First stop (Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards) on our very first trip to Sonoma, and we were not dissappointed. The wines made by Jesse Katz have a ton of finesse, power and character, but the wines under his Devil Proof Label are at another level. Definitely a Malbec that needs to be on any wine collector's radar. The photo for the label was taken by Andy Katz, Jesse's father, back when he was commissed by the Cuban Government to take photos of their way of life. We love the saying for the label "Live well, drink well, and the devil can't get you". We do not know about you but we will follow her lead and hopefully become a little bit Devil Proof.
First time trying these Malbecs from Jesse Katz and Devil Proof. Thanks Lauren for cracking these for us! Lush purplish red that completely coats the glass. Rich and dark on the nose with spices, dark cocoa, a bit smoky, mocha and black cassis. Heavy smooth tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Love the texture on the palate with layers of lush dark blackberries, blueberries, cassis, sweet spices and a bit spicy too. Long finish. Drink till 2038. Wow. This is the best Malbec we have ever had from the United States and possibly even from any other wine region. Excellent work Jesse! This is made up of 100% Malbec from the Rockpile Ridge vineyard which is managed by the Mauritson Family and dry farmed. It is aged in 100% new French oak barrels and comes from an elevation of 1,100 feet. First stop (Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards) on our very first trip to Sonoma, and we were not dissappointed. The wines made by Jesse Katz have a ton of finesse, power and character, but the wines under his Devil Proof Label are at another level. Definitely a Malbec that needs to be on any wine collector's radar. The photo for the label was taken by Andy Katz, Jesse's father, back when he was commissed by the Cuban Government to take photos of their way of life. We love the saying for the label "Live well, drink well, and the devil can't get you". We do not know about you but we will follow her lead and hopefully become a little bit Devil Proof.
9.5Amanda Thomas
The platonic ideal of a Malbec.
The platonic ideal of a Malbec.
9.6Deborah M
Winner winner. The perfect Malbec. And that label is
Winner winner. The perfect Malbec. And that label is
9.3Deborah M
Always outstanding. One of my favorite Malbecs. Served with seaside tri tip that I grilled on big green egg. Sublime. #sundaypatiodiningwithfriends
Always outstanding. One of my favorite Malbecs. Served with seaside tri tip that I grilled on big green egg. Sublime. #sundaypatiodiningwithfriends
9.4Deborah M
The start of a great evening. Still my favorite Malbec.
The start of a great evening. Still my favorite Malbec.
9.3Brian Nickerson
Quite possibly the most fantastic Malbec I’ve ever tasted. Almost Cabernet Sav like.
Quite possibly the most fantastic Malbec I’ve ever tasted. Almost Cabernet Sav like.
9.3Deborah M
Well it was a great night with friends. A classic Malbec that doesn’t smack you with the too much of everything syndrome. Smooth tannins and black fruit are welcomed. Wonderful bottle that got even better as it opened up.
Well it was a great night with friends. A classic Malbec that doesn’t smack you with the too much of everything syndrome. Smooth tannins and black fruit are welcomed. Wonderful bottle that got even better as it opened up.
9.4Deborah M
Tremendous. Everything and then some.
Tremendous. Everything and then some.
9.4Brent E
Still needs some time, a bit hot in the middle but excellent structure nice long finish.
Still needs some time, a bit hot in the middle but excellent structure nice long finish.
9.2WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.