Product Overview
Varietal Composition: 65% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Alexander Valley AVA
Vineyard: Farrow Ranch
Aging: 22 months in French oak, 90% new
Production: 580 cases
Winemaker: Jesse Katz
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." -EB, 12/14/23
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." -TC, 2/1/26
96 Points - Vinous
"The 2021 Red Blend Farrow Ranch is structured and powerful, showing real muscle and intensity as it soaks into the palate with authority. A blend of 65% Malbec and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 generously shares velvety blankets of incense, violet, mocha and pipe tobacco, culminating with a knock of imposing, chalky tannins that are clearly in no hurry to soften. The concentration of the drought vintage, combined with a long élevage of 22 months in 90% new French oak, has positioned the 2021 for a long, slow maturation. It's a fantastic effort from Jesse Katz and Hillary Sjolund." -BN, Jan/2026
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." -MW, 6/30/25
