Aperture Cellars is a premium Sonoma winery founded by Jesse Katz, focused on expressing Bordeaux varieties through the cooler and diverse terroirs of Sonoma County. Jesse Katz is one of the most important figures among the new generation of American winemakers. He gained experience at estates such as Petrus and Screaming Eagle, was the first winemaker named to Forbes "30 Under 30," and has created wines that set major charity-auction records. Aperture is therefore not merely a Sonoma label; it is the central stage for Jesse Katz's winemaking vision.
Aperture's regional logic is very clear. It does not follow Sonoma's usual reputation only for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Instead, it seeks vineyards where Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and other Bordeaux varieties can ripen while retaining freshness. Sonoma's varied terrain, cool nights, and maritime influence allow these varieties to balance ripe black fruit, floral notes, spice, and acidity. The winery owns and works with several distinctive vineyard sites, creating a complete system from single-vineyard bottlings to blends.
Aperture has earned high scores from major critics, and Jesse Katz is widely viewed as a defining figure in contemporary high-end Sonoma wine. In trade terms, Aperture represents premium Sonoma Bordeaux varieties. It combines winemaker star power, regional differentiation, and serious wine depth. For fine retail, restaurant wine lists, and collectors, its appeal is that it is not a substitute for Napa Cabernet; it is proof that Sonoma can express power, precision, and elegance in its own way.
