Inky black in color, the 2021 Malbec Rockpile Ridge is a wild beast. Raised in 100% new French oak, it takes on a distinctive profile that’s really not quite like anything else, with loads of concentrated black and blue fruit, menthol, wild forest herbs, lavender, gravelly earth, and polished leather. Coming from above the fog line, it offers a plush, ripe, full-bodied texture, sweet tannins, an incredibly intense core of concentration, and a long finish, but it’s going to need time. Drink 2026-2040.

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.