2010 Kapcsàndy Merlot State Lane Vineyard Roberta's Reserve
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Tasting notes
I remember tasting Kapcsándy 2010 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve when it was in barrel and later from bottle. It has never disappointed me. On this night, the 2010 is deep, savory, and so expressive. To me, the best 2010s combine the fruit richness of a warm year with the structure of a cool year. That is exactly what comes through here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full medium ruby. Alluring floral lift to the aromas of black cherry, dark plum, licorice, cocoa powder and minerals; showed a slightly exotic hint of liqueur-like ripeness with aeration, possibly due to a bit of late dehydration of the fruit. Wonderfully sweet and plush, with its blue and black fruit, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors enlivened by graphite minerality. The wine's slightly high-toned character just contributes to its personality. This began with big, dusty tannins but harmonized nicely with air and became smoother, finishing with outstanding juicy cut and length. Still, I find it a bit clenched next to the Cabernet Grand Vin. I should note that when I originally tasted this wine shortly after its bottling, I described it as "perhaps the single greatest Merlot-based wine I have ever tasted from California." So I would not be at all surprised if it merited a higher score with more time in the cellar. (100% new French oak)
Full medium ruby. Alluring floral lift to the aromas of black cherry, dark plum, licorice, cocoa powder and minerals; showed a slightly exotic hint of liqueur-like ripeness with aeration, possibly due to a bit of late dehydration of the fruit. Wonderfully sweet and plush, with its blue and black fruit, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors enlivened by graphite minerality. The wine's slightly high-toned character just contributes to its personality. This began with big, dusty tannins but harmonized nicely with air and became smoother, finishing with outstanding juicy cut and length. Still, I find it a bit clenched next to the Cabernet Grand Vin. I should note that when I originally tasted this wine shortly after its bottling, I described it as "perhaps the single greatest Merlot-based wine I have ever tasted from California." So I would not be at all surprised if it merited a higher score with more time in the cellar. (14.5% alcohol; 100% new French oak)