Devil Proof Rockpile Ridge Red Blend 2017

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. previous vintage 96 Points Robert Parker: "The Malbec Rockpile Ridge Vineyard has a vibrant ruby-purple color and classic magenta rim, with tightly coiled, mineral-driven aromas of crushed stone and pencil shavings slowly opening to charcuterie, crushed black cherries and plum, cassis, blueberry preserves, earth and mint chocolate with notes of coffee bean and violet. Medium to full-bodied, the palate opens tight, focused and minerally, slowly fleshing out to nuanced fruits. It has an incredible frame, with pixelated tannins seamlessly woven into the density of flavor and supported by just enough freshness, finishing very long. This is stunning. 285 cases were made." 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.

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