Aperture 2021 Red Blend, Alexander Valley

.95+ points                                                                                        Awesome new discovery alert!  This is a great up-and-coming label from Sonoma's Alexander Valley - we highly recommend getting on the Aperture Bandwagon now.95 Points James Suckling: "Black currant, black mushroom, baking spices, lavender and dried flowers. Lead pencil. Full-bodied with pretty framing and tension from the French oak and a blend of 44% merlot, 27% malbec, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, and 9% cabernet franc. Drink or hold."... I was particularly impressed by the lineup of 2021s from winemaker Jesse Katz and associate winemaker Hillary Sjolund, who craft several brands, including Aperture, Devil Proof, Aesthete, The Setting and Valette. The duo’s skills and attention to detail are apparent across brands and varieties, from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec."Winemaker Jesse Katz has worked with Bob Foley at Hourglass and at Screaming