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Love this merlot. Violets, roses, incense, and currants come to the fore on the nose. Full body and ultra-fine tannins that are so polished and integrated they become seamless and incredibly beautiful. Long and flavorful finish. Drink or hold. Long life ahead but who can wait? May 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
96+ points. The 2014 Roberta's Reserve comes across as quite soft and sensual in this vintage, with less of the drive that is such a signature of the other wines here. This is the only 2014 at Kapcsándy that has not grown meaningfully since I last tasted it. Then again, Merlot is a quirky grape, as it often goes through unpredictable periods of being closed, especially in the early going. Today, my impression is that the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring, but it has less structure than some of the surrounding vintages as well as the other 2014s. This is an especially laid back, almost translucent wine from Kapcsándy. It will be interesting to see what the future brings. A dollop (3%) of Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Dec 2016, www.vinous.com, Drink: 2020-2034
The 2014 Roberta’s Reserve State Lane Vineyard is a blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. 650 cases were produced, which is 27% of their total production. This was actually showing more fruit, density and personality than the more closed and reserved 2013. I’m not sure it has the concentration and overall upside potential of the 2013, but it’s beautifully rich, with loads of coffee bean, black chocolate, black cherry and mocha notes, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and density. It should drink well for 15-20 years. Oct 2015, www.robertparker.com
