2017 Kapcsándy "Roberta’s Reserve - State Lane Vineyard" Napa Valley Merlot

The 2017 Roberta’s Reserve is composed of 95% Merlot, along with a dash of Cabernet Franc which was aged in 75% new French oak and 25% second fill French oak. The wine itself is absolutely stunning, as it displays a wonderful elegant, refined style, while maintaining remarkable freshness as well as gorgeous ripe fruit character. It instantly begins to dazzle as it offers incredibly perfumed aromatics of fresh currants, cassis and black cherries, which are accented by fresh spring flowers, herbs, licorice, graphite, tobacco and exotic spices that all come together gracefully in the glass. On the palate this is simply marvelous, the medium to full body is seamlessly wrapped in beautifully polished velvety tannins, which result in an incredibly elegant and finessed mouthfeel. This continues to impress with its outstanding overall precision, balance and amazing streak of underlying acidity, which provides excellent lift as it heads into the long, ultra-sleek finish. The Kapcsándy’s and their winemaking team have crafted a serious bottle of Merlot that is impeccably polished and refined, and while this is utterly fascinating today, it should have an even brighter future ahead. (JD)