2013 Roberta's Reserve
Buying options
Tasting notes
Full medium ruby. Very pure aromas and flavors of medicinal black cherry, black raspberry, blueberry, licorice, lilac and violet. A step up in density and black-fruit intensity from the 2014 Roberta's, conveying uncommon thickness of texture without any impression of weightiness. Finishes wonderfully pristine and long, with big but fully buffered tannins. With its striking blend of sweet and savory elements and enlivening minerality, this is a nearly perfect Merlot--but give it at least another couple of years before pulling the cork. (14.2% alcohol; all French oak, 85% new)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The aromas to this are mind-blowing. Pure violets, lilacs, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and flowers. Full body and superb tannin tension with polish and balance. Harmony. The layers and texture to this are phenomenal. The greatest American merlot ever made. Ranks among the best in the world. Only about 300 cases made.
At 100% Merlot, the 2013 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve is off the charts and could easily eclipse a great vintage of Pétrus in a blind tasting. Fabulous notes of sweet cocoa and chocolate intermixed with black cherry and blackberry soar from the glass of this full-bodied wine that has a deep, rich, profound core of fruit and density. It is a great example of possibly the finest vintage Napa has ever produced for Bordeaux varieties. This wine has greatness all over it, with a minute-plus finish, yet is accessible enough to be drinkable now or cellared for another 30+ years.
A magnificent, towering wine, the 2013 Roberta's Reserve is deep, powerful and massively tannic. Far from an easygoing Merlot, the 2013 Roberta's Reserve is going to require considerable cellaring to fully blossom. Floral, savory and mineral notes are pushed forward, until a rush of blue and black fruits opens up on the mid palate and through to the finish. Lavender, sage, menthol, licorice and inky fruit add the final shades of nuance in an explosive Merlot to put away in the darkest corner of the cellar.