A story that dates back many years, Devil Proof was founded back in 2012 by superstar winemaker Jesse Katz. But the store really originates back in 1997 when Katz was visiting Cuba with his father, famed photographer Andy Katz. There they met a local woman sitting outside her home smoking a cigar, embodying a spirit of resilience and joy and the evocative label for this wine was born.
For years Devil Proof has been some of the finest Malbec you will taste in North America. I have been enamored with these wines for years. They are concentrated and powerful single vineyard wines from the Alexander Valley. There is quite simply nothing like this made in the world.
For the second year in a row I scored all three of these wines 100 points. Each have scintillating power and poise. I love the 2024 ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec (OB, 100) which is so wonderfully perfumed and deeply concentrated. You would be hard-pressed to find a better new world Malbec than this. Learn more at https://www.devilproofvineyards.com/story/ and here are my reviews of the new Devil Proof wines.
2024 Devil Proof ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec- Jet black in the glass, the otherworldly 2024 ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec comes from this dry-farmed, high elevation location in the Alexander Valley. Once on the nose this takes on violets, scorched earth, wintergreen and shades of Turkish coffee that all combine seamlessly in the glass. The palate has amazing power and poise, with a heady combination of black and blue fruits, with terrific lift and stunning flavor density. This is the iron fist in a velvet glove. Savor this total heavyhitter now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 100
2024 Devil Proof ‘Farrow Ranch Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Farrow Ranch’ Red Wine combines mostly Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a one of a kind wine where the Malbec is singing its high octave currently. Blueberry compote, Arabica bean, white pepper dusted brisket and shades of black licorice cordial all combine seamlessly on the palate. Very mineral-laden with tremendous rocky soil character, this beauty has a long way to go in the cellar. And it leaves no doubt that it is a perfect wine made in a really good vintage. Drink 2026-2046- 100
2024 Devil Proof ‘Rockpile Ridge’ Malbec- The 2024 ‘Rockpile Ridge’ was sourced from this high elevation and also highly windy site near Lake Sonoma. Mocha, allspice dusted mocha and shades of kirsch cordial all combine on the nose. The palate is deep and powerful with tremendous depth, finesse and weightless character. The wine glides throughout the drinking experience, with a massive black and blue fruit core alongside serious stony minerality. A gorgeous wine to consume now, watch this evolve over the next two decades to come. Drink 2026-2046- 100