Recently I had a chance to try 3 very cool wines from two small family wineries in California. There are some very cool wines coming out of Cali, that are not the typical Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. If you ever get to stop in at the winery – I am sure you’ll enjoy these wines too!
2013 Devil Proof
100% Malbec from Alexander Valley
approx. $85 usd
A Cuban connection – “Devil Proof” is a common saying in Cuba
Made by a young winemaker by the name of Jesse Katz. He is one of many who are being bold and testing the boundaries for what this area is known for. And just recently Parker rated this the best Malbec in California!
Super soft on the nose, slightly dirty plums and some bright berries, solid acidity and strength with some spice, slight garrigue, minerals and a little dust on the tannins, and concentrated.
Aperture Wines (grapes label)
95 % Cabernet Sauvignon / 5 % Malbec
approx. $50 usd
Made by Jesse Katz in collaboration with his dad Andy Katz. Super soft tannins for a Cab dominant wine, some grip on the acid and tannin, slight hint of green pepper, a little heat, but opens nicely with a hint of tobacco notes. Jesse’s wines were noticed by Justin Timberlake, who poured the Aperture at his wedding to Jessica Biel.
Aperture Wines (burning barrels label)
60% Merlot / 40% Cabernet Franc
Right Bank Bordeaux style wine
approx. $50 usd
Personality plus on the nose, fruits jump out of the glass, perfumed and juicy, leafy, smooth, think of an oreo cookie – Merlot is in the middle and Cab Franc is the chocolate cookie, hints of mocha, liquorice. Well balanced, medium plus in body.
made by Jesse’s dad Andy Katz
all the wines see approx 12 months in new oak to allow the personality of the grapes to show
Check out these wineries and see why you should keep a close eye on their winemaker and wines!
Wine and Travel Concierge 