Aperture 2022 Red Blend, Sonoma County

.95+ points                                                                                        Awesome new discovery alert!  This is a great up-and-coming label from Sonoma's Alexander Valley - we highly recommend getting on the Aperture Bandwagon now. 95 Points James Suckling: "Black currant, black mushroom, baking spices, lavender and dried flowers. Lead pencil. Full-bodied with pretty framing and tension from the French oak and a blend of 44% merlot, 27% malbec, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, and 9% cabernet franc. Drink or hold." ... I was particularly impressed by the lineup of 2021s from winemaker Jesse Katz and associate winemaker Hillary Sjolund, who craft several brands, including Aperture, Devil Proof, Aesthete, The Setting and Valette. The duo’s skills and attention to detail are apparent across brands and varieties, from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec." Winemaker Jesse Katz has worked with Bob Foley at Hourglass and at Screaming Eagle, working alongside renowned winemaker Andy Erickson. As winemaker for both Lancaster Estate and Roth Estate, Jesse brought to bear his handcrafted style of terroir driven winemaking in producing their most highly acclaimed wines.  In addition to making all wines at Aperture Cellars, Jesse also produces the 100% allocated wines for his cult brand, Devil Proof Vineyards.