On a crisp spring evening in downtown Houston, the city’s culinary and wine worlds collided in the most exquisite way. Just steps from the ballpark, Osso + Kristalla played host to an unforgettable celebration: the 100 Point Wine Dinner, a kickoff to the Astros organization’s Opening Day weekend and a showcase of rare, perfect-score wines from Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof.

Jim Crane and Jesse Katz Hosted by acclaimed winemaker Jesse Katz, the event welcomed a distinguished guest — Jim Crane, owner and chairman of the Houston Astros and partner of Aperture Cellars. Together, Katz and Crane have transformed Aperture into one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated wineries, producing Bordeaux-style wines from premier cool-climate vineyard sites. Their partnership — rooted in innovation, vision, and generosity — has also raised over $500,000 for the Astros Foundation through the auction of limited-edition wines, with ongoing support for local causes like the Southern Smoke Foundation.

As Houston Style wine expert Monica Jones noted, the evening began with passed Southern Creole bites alongside early pours of Aperture’s 2021 Bordeaux blend and 2022 Chenin Blanc. Guests were treated to a rare vertical tasting of Aperture’s award-winning portfolio — a journey through multiple vintages that revealed how each wine evolves while staying true to the soul of its vineyard. Chief among them: Devil Proof, the dry-farmed Malbec with bold character and an elegant, expressive finish.

What followed was a five-course masterclass in pairing, crafted by Executive Chef Danny Trace, whose menu seamlessly blended Texas ingredients with rustic Italian flair and global inspiration.

Executive Chef Danny Trace

 

 

The Courses

First Course: TONNO
Passion fruit, Devil’s Kiss pepper, pistachio lavash, avocado, and Texas 1836 olive oil layered over pristine tuna. Paired with the bright minerality of the 2022 Aperture Sauvignon Blanc, this was a vibrant, refreshing beginning.

Second Course: CINGHIALE
Wild boar Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and elk polpette met their match with the structured, elegant 2020 Aperture Del Rio Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon — a 100-point wine that delivered both depth and finesse.

Third Course: AGNELLO
Rosemary-grilled Patagonian lamb with porcini risotto, pearl onions, and a marrow-rich bordelaise. The 2018 Devil Proof Farrow Ranch Malbec — another 100-point masterpiece — shone brilliantly here, with its richness and complexity elevating every bite.
While all the wines were exceptional, this was my absolute favorite of the evening. I truly can't wait to indulge in it once again.

Fourth Course: BISONTE
Petite buffalo filet, rattlesnake chili, cayenne ketchup, and a crispy tobacco onion ring. The unexpected flair of this dish was perfectly matched by the bold yet graceful 2021 Devil Proof Cima Ladera Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec Blend — a stunning pairing that stood out among the evening’s many highlights.
This, without a doubt, was the best pairing of the night. A flawless harmony of spice, texture, and structure.

Fifth Course: CIOCCOLATO
To close: a dark chocolate moon pie, chocolate mousse gelato, grand brûlot ganache, cajeta, and marcona almond. The luxurious 2019 Devil Proof Rockpile Ridge Malbec offered a decadent finale — silky, layered, and unforgettable.

Throughout the evening, Jesse Katz shared his passion and philosophy, detailing the journey that shaped Aperture Cellars since its founding in 2009. Known for producing wines for industry giants, this night was all about his deep connection to Houston and his commitment to excellence — both in the bottle and in the community.

As courses were served, Jim Crane offered guests a glimpse into his vision for the 2025 MLB season. It was a night where world-class wine, thoughtfully crafted cuisine, and Houston pride came together in perfect form.

A salute to Jesse Katz — and we can’t wait to indulge in Chef Danny Trace’s cuisine once more.

And for fans who want to keep sipping, Daikin Park, home of the Astros, features the largest wine inventory in Major League Baseball — including select pours from Aperture Cellars!

About Aperture Cellars

Founded in 2009 by winemaker Jesse Katz, Aperture Cellars was born from a vision to craft world-class Bordeaux-style wines from Sonoma County’s most expressive, cool-climate vineyard sites. Inspired by his father, renowned photographer Andy Katz, Jesse approaches winemaking with both technical precision and artistic sensibility — capturing the "aperture" of each vineyard through every vintage. With a résumé that includes working at prestigious estates like Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi, and Pétrus, Katz quickly gained recognition as one of the most talented winemakers of his generation. Today, Aperture’s wines — including the cult-favorite Devil Proof Malbec — are lauded for their depth, elegance, and age-worthy structure, earning perfect 100-point scores and a devoted following among collectors and connoisseurs alike.