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?

Made from 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the deep ruby/purple-colored 2014 Merlot Roberta's Reserve is another terrific Merlot, and my money is on it being the best example of this variety in the Valley. Blackberries, dried herbs, earth, and loads of chocolate give way to a full-bodied, opulent 2014 that has silky tannin, incredible purity and a great, great finish. It too will keep for 15-20 years.

The 2014 Merlot Roberta’s Reserve, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, has a deep garnet-purple color and is scented of warm plums, baked blackberries and blueberry pie with suggestions of spice cake, violets and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, rich, opulent and seductive in the mouth, it has mouth-filling black and blue fruit with oodles of exotic spices, framed by velvety tannins and great freshness, finishing long. - LPB

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. - AG