Devil Proof Vineyards Rockpile Ridge Malbec 2019
- twi98
- wa97
- jd97
- we95
- ws92
Category | Red Wine |
Varietal | |
Brand | Devil Proof Vineyards |
Origin | California, Sonoma County |
Alcohol/vol | 15.6% |
Other vintages
ROCKPILE RIDGE
ROCKPILE, SONOMA COUNTY
Devil Proof Malbec, Rockpile Ridge, is a robust and powerful wine from the single vineyard site of Rockpile Ridge, in the Rockpile appellation in Northern Sonoma County, the smallest AVA in the United States.
Sitting at an elevation of 1,380 feet, with vineyard rows jutting down at 25-degree slopes towards the Lake Sonoma basin, this dramatic vineyard site provides ideally moderate temperatures, forceful coastal breezes, and well-drained soils.
Taking our cues from the site itself, we mold our winemaking to best showcase this complex powerful mountain fruit. This Rockpile Malbec is 100% barrel-fermented to control the power of the site’s tannins but at the same time highlight the intensity and concentration of the fruit. This is the first time I have ever seen a wine that was 100% barrel-fermented, which is such labor-intensive process but one that this site demands so we will do nothing less.
With little water retention in the gravelly loam soils to begin with, our practice of dry-farming this vineyard further enhances the naturally occurring stress in the vines. Here, our fruit ripens evenly and deeply. The wine is rich, diverse, and striking, and a true expression of its distinctive vineyard source.
The Wine Independent
- twi98
The 2019 Ridge Malbec was 100% barrel fermented and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Very deep purple-black in color, it sashays out with beautiful blueberry preserves, fruitcake, and candied violets, plus super floral aromas, crushed rocks, Indian spices, fragrant soil and a wonderfully earthy undercurrent. The full-bodied palate is rich, plush, and muscular with seamless freshness, and an epically long finish. 270 cases were made.
Wine Advocate
- wa97
Winemaker Jesse Katz and associate winemaker Hillary Sjolund have introduced puncheons for the fermentation and maturation of the 2019 Malbec Rockpile Ridge Vineyard (about 40%). Deep ruby-purple, it has a generous, detailed perfume of warm blueberries and Morello cherries with layers of milk chocolate, white pepper, dried thyme and lavender, continuing to unfold as it airs in the glass. The full-bodied palate is powerful yet velvety, with fresh acidity, detailed, layered fruits and a very long, floral finish. Only 270 cases were made.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd97
The 2019 Malbec Rockpile Ridge has cloaking aromatics of graphite, kirsch, fresh leather, and cedar. The palate is ripe up front, with plum, cocoa, and mineral earth, with building tannins through a long finish. Allow a couple years in cellar for this to meld, and drink it over the following 15-20 years.
Wine Enthusiast
- we95
From a dry-farmed site at high elevation, this wine is defined by its intensity of flavor, texture and tannin. Flavors of sweet tobacco and crushed rock complement a core of blueberry pie in a densely concentrated and decadently ripe wine that will leave an impression. Enjoy best from 2029-2034.
Wine Spectator
- ws92
Dense, deep and complex, with notes of dark chocolate-covered espresso bean, maraschino cherry, huckleberry and blackberry at the core, plus details of rosemary, laurel bay leaf and baking spices that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 270 cases made.