2013 Kapcsàndy Merlot State Lane Vineyard Roberta's Reserve
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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)
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
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.
The 2013 Roberta's Reserve is just as compelling it has always been. Dark, powerful and exotic, the 2013 Roberta's tastes like it has barely budged since I tasted it last year. Intense dark fruit, chocolate, smoke, licorice and tobacco are front and center. Exceptionally polished and towering in its structure, the 2013 will drink well for many, many years. The tannins soften a bit with time in the glass, but the 2013 remains a young wine in need of cellaring.
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.