Devil Proof Vineyard
(Aperture Cellars) Cima Ladera Red Blend 2021
(Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California) - [JD 99] [WA 98] [WE 97] [JS 96] [WS 94]

About the Winery:
Founded in 2009 by first-generation winemaker Jesse Katz, Aperture was born from a desire to craft California wines with the elegance and structure of the best Bordeaux estates. Katz—who previously worked at legendary estates like Pétrus and Screaming Eagle—focuses on cool-climate, high-elevation vineyards that bring out vibrant acidity and silky, refined tannins.

Aperture Cellars is so-named because the company is a collaboration with his father, Andy Katz, a professional photographer (an “aperture” is the opening in a lens through which light passes into a camera; it’s Andy’s photography on all the labels.) At Aperture, the wines shed light on what Bordeaux varieties in the cooler pockets of Sonoma are capable of. Warm, sunny days and brisk nights ensure that every bottle bursts with freshness, no matter how generous the fruit. None other than Wine Spectator has described our wines as “plump, intense and juicy” while remaining “clean and complex.”

About this Wine:
The 2021 inaugural release of Cima Ladera is a 65% Malbec and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
BLEND: 65% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
BARREL PROGRAM: Aged for 22 months in French oak (90% new)

Ratings & Reviews

99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Meaning "top of the hillside" in Spanish, the Inky purple-colored 2021 Cima Ladera Farrow Ranch is mostly Malbec with the addition of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and sees 90% new French oak. The first vintage they made of this wine, the Cabernet really pops through in its profile, with a nose of fresh plums, redcurrants, lavender, and a mineral lift of pencil lead jumping from the glass. Full-bodied, it as a mountainous feel to its structure, with plenty of ripe tannins and a balanced, even freshness underneath. This is a great addition to the range that’s going to appeal to lovers of great Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2029-2059." - Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)

98 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Farrow Ranch Cima Ladera is a brand-new wine from Devil Proof. It comes from vines planted in 1989 at Farrow Ranch in Alexander Valley, which winemaker Jesse Katz acquired in 2021. "I've been trying to get into this vineyard block for years," he exclaims. "I had to purchase the vineyard to get it!" It's a blend of 65% Malbec and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and was matured for 22 months in 90% new French oak. It has ringing scents of maraschino cherries and blueberries with accents of bitter chocolate, spearmint, vanilla, lilac and aniseed, offering up new nuances with each return to the glass. The full-bodied palate is lovely! It balances tremendously concentrated flavors with bright acidity and velvety tannins, and it has a very long finish with a fan of spicy accents. This is fantastically expressive and so singular! 580 cases were made." - Erin Brooks (Dec 2023)

97 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"The expressive nose of this blend jumps from the glass with aromas of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, chopped mint leaves, and tobacco. The palate is densely packed and age worthy, balancing heaps of powder fine tannin with plush acidity and flavors of blueberry, spiced plum compote, cracked pepper, and licorice. Delicious now, this will be best from 2030-2045." - Tom Capo (Feb 2026)

96 Points - James Suckling:
"This is very sophisticated on the nose with oyster shell, black currant and graphite shavings. Violets. Medium-bodied with an intense center palate with dusty and chalk tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of tension and length. Drinkable if you like fine chewy tannins but will be even better with age. Drink or hold." (Nov 2023)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Succulent and generous, offering dark chocolate–covered maraschino cherry and date nut bread, with notes of violet, blueberry preserves and toasted cardamom, plus German chocolate cake details. The dense flavors mingle with juicy acidity and tannins that add plenty of grip on the finish. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034. 580 cases made." - MaryAnn Worobiec (Jun 2025)