Sonoma County’s patchwork of volcanic hillsides, gravelly benchlands, and cool coastal influences has produced some of California’s most compelling wines. For winemaker Jesse Katz, those varied soils form the foundation of Aperture Cellars, a winery dedicated to crafting Bordeaux-inspired blends that capture the nuance and diversity of the region.
Founded in 2009, Aperture reflects Katz’s philosophy that great wine begins in the vineyard. By working closely with carefully selected sites across Sonoma County, the winery focuses on balance, structure, and a precise expression of place. The approach has quickly earned Aperture a reputation among collectors seeking California wines that combine power with refinement.
Among the winery’s most compelling bottlings is the 2023 Bordeaux Blend, a polished composition centered on Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Silky in texture and layered with dark fruit, the wine balances richness with elegant structure, highlighting the softer yet expressive side of Sonoma’s terroir.
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon takes a more focused path, drawing from hillside fruit that lends depth and intensity. Concentrated black fruit flavors unfold alongside velvety tannins and subtle oak, creating a wine that feels both bold and finely composed.
Aperture’s Estate Series explores the character of its own vineyard sites. The 2023 Estate Farrow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant precision, combining bright citrus and mineral tones with a crisp, energetic finish. It demonstrates how Sonoma’s cool-climate vineyards can produce whites of remarkable clarity and freshness.
For those drawn to structured reds, the 2022 Estate Farrow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon offers a powerful yet balanced expression of the varietal. Dense layers of dark fruit and polished tannins give the wine depth, while careful blending preserves the elegance that defines Katz’s winemaking style.
Perhaps the most intriguing wine in the collection is the 2023 Aperture Estate 1912 Blend, an ultra-limited cuvée sourced from historic vineyard blocks. Crafted as an artistic composition of select parcels, the blend reflects Katz’s ability to weave together multiple sites into a seamless and expressive whole.
Before launching Aperture, Katz worked alongside several internationally respected producers, developing a winemaking philosophy that blends Old World discipline with California’s spirit of innovation. That perspective continues to shape the winery’s identity today.
As Sonoma evolves into one of California’s most dynamic wine regions, Aperture Cellars stands at the forefront of a new generation of producers. Through meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful blending, Katz continues to craft wines that celebrate both the character of Sonoma’s soils and the artistry behind every bottle.
Aperture’s wines are available directly from the winery and through select fine-wine retailers.
