WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

WITH WINE COUNTRY CONNECTION AND

JESSE KATZ

Jesse Katz is a winemaking sensation renowned for becoming the youngest head winemaker at Lancaster Estate in the U.S. in 2010. Jesse’s journey from prodigy to powerhouse includes garnering nearly a dozen perfect scores and setting a world record with a million-dollar auction bid for his “The Setting 2019 Glass Slipper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon” at the 2021 Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Carnivale Du Vin auction in New Orleans.

Dive into the captivating story of one of California’s most accomplished winemakers and discover what makes his creations so extraordinary. I hope you enjoy this inspiring feature.

Cheers,

George

Jesse’s creations stand out for their intense flavors and meticulous portrayal of each varietal’s unique essence and origin. Get ready for an engaging five-question interview with Jesse Katz that promises to be as unforgettable as his wines!

A Conversation with Superstar Winemaker Jesse Katz

WCC: What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?

JESSE: I really love working with all of the Bordeaux Reds but if I had to pick, I’d say Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. I think with both of these varietals you have a lot of influence as a winemaker to drive style and build textures. Farming is critical and with the best sites giving ample quality tannin, it gives a lot of artistic freedom when creating the balance and texture in the wine. They are also two of my favorites to drink.

WCC: In your experience, what proves to be the most challenging aspect of being a winemaker?

JESSE: Mother nature is the most challenging aspect because it’s one of the few things in the craft you have zero control of.

WCC: How do you approach creating a new wine, and what factors influence your decisions in the winemaking process?

JESSE: It all starts with the site. When I decide to make a new wine, it is usually because I’m very excited about the site and its potential. It also is critical that we can farm it how we like as a lot of style of the wine can be driven in the vineyard.

WCC: Are there any specific trends or innovations in the wine industry that you’re least excited about and why?

JESSE: I don’t like the “natural” wines trend because it creates a false narrative in wines that most wines are not natural and it lacks a standardized definition, leading to confusion and inconsistency in the marketplace. Many “natural” wines I have tried have been flawed and there are significant concerns about quality control. Also, the loose parameters that I’ve heard discussed about what “natural” wines are, I believe myself and most great producers could call themselves natural but don’t want that stigma of the flaws, which is the only consistent character in the category that I can see.

WCC: Can you share a unique aspect about yourself that people may not be aware of?

JESSE: I used to compete and teach snowboarding and played classical violin for 14 years.

Here are some wines Jesse made. Click on the name to read more.

APERTURE 2022 CHENIN BLANC CLARKSBURG – $35 

THE SETTING ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON – $95

APERTURE ALEXANDER VALLEY RED WINE (BORDEAUX RED BLEND) – $59.99