Devil Proof Cima Ladera Alexander Valley Farrow Ranch 2021

99 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Meaning "top of the hillside" in Spanish, the Inky purple-colored 2021 Cima Ladera Farrow Ranch is mostly Malbec with the addition of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and sees 90% new French oak. The first vintage they made of this wine, the Cabernet really pops through in its profile, with a nose of fresh plums, redcurrants, lavender, and a mineral lift of pencil lead jumping from the glass. Full-bodied, it as a mountainous feel to its structure, with plenty of ripe tannins and a balanced, even freshness underneath. This is a great addition to the range that’s going to appeal to lovers of great Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2029-2059. (6/27/24)"

98 points Erin Brooks (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. Drink: 2030-2050. (Dec 2023)"

96 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "The 2021 Devil Proof Cima Ladera is a 65% Malbec, and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the 75-acre Farrow Ranch vineyard in the Alexander Valley AVA of Sonoma County. Winemaker Jesse Katz loves blending Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon and has ever since been working with Paul Hobbs at Viña Cobos. Powerful, assertive, and dramatically expressive with a deep concentration of fruit balanced by a thread of minty freshness. Aromas of dark berry fruit and currants with tobacco leaves are nuanced by white pepper and dried lavender. Full-bodied with powerful muscular tannins and a host of savoury baking spices, dried wild herbs, earth, and stony minerality through an extended finish of dried florals. Super expressive, layered and fresh. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (Apr 2024)"

96 points James Suckling: "This is very sophisticated on the nose with oyster shell, black currant and graphite shavings. Violets. Medium-bodied with an intense center palate with dusty and chalk tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of tension and length. Drinkable if you like fine chewy tannins but will be even better with age. Drink or hold. (11/18/23)"