State Lane Vineyard, Yountville · USA
2017 Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta's Reserve
Yountville Merlot of exceptional depth from Kapcsandy's historic State Lane Vineyard, approaching its peak in 2026.
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Vintage
- 2017
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2027.
Tasting Note
Kapcsandy's 2017 Roberta's Reserve is 95% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc, raised in new French oak barrels. Black cherry, spring flowers, spicy incense, and dried earth anchor the nose, with Cabernet Franc adding cedar and herb accents. The palate is full-bodied, firm, and structured - more in the Right Bank mold than the plush easy-drinking style often associated with Merlot. Fine-grained tannins and integrated oak provide texture and length, with the State Lane Vineyard's gravelly Yountville soils evident in the wine's precision and focus.
About Kapcsandy Family Winery
Kapcsandy Family Winery occupies the historic State Lane Vineyard in Yountville, once a key source for Beringer's Private Reserve wines. Tiny production, obsessive vineyard work, and consistently top-tier Cabernet and blends have made Kapcsandy a coveted name among serious Napa collectors. The Roberta's Reserve celebrates the estate's Merlot - a varietal that thrives on State Lane's well-drained gravel soils - with the same attention applied to the flagship Cabernet program.
Food Pairings
Braised veal cheeks with truffle jus
The wine's firm structure and dark fruit align with veal's richness, while the truffle note echoes the earthy, spicy incense character of the Roberta's Reserve.
Duck confit with cherry compote
State Lane Merlot loves duck - the black cherry fruit mirrors the compote, and the wine's firm tannins handle the fat beautifully.
Mushroom risotto with aged parmesan
The earthy, floral character of this wine bridges the rich umami of mushroom risotto, and the high acidity provides lift to prevent the pairing from going heavy.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 62-65F (17-18C)
- Decanting
- Decant 60 minutes if opening in 2026. The wine is not yet at peak but is fully enjoyable with air. Peak drinking runs from 2027 through 2038.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
Is Roberta's Reserve a pure Merlot?
It is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from the State Lane Vineyard in Yountville. The Cabernet Franc adds aromatic lift and structure to the Merlot's fruit core.
When should I open this wine?
Peak drinking starts in 2027 and extends through 2038. Opening in 2026 requires generous decanting and offers a structured, focused wine. Holding a year will show more integration and expressiveness.
How does this compare to Kapcsandy's Grand Vin?
The Roberta's Reserve is the Merlot-led companion to the Grand Vin Cabernet Sauvignon. It shares the same State Lane Vineyard source and meticulous winemaking but expresses a different facet of the estate - more floral, spicy, and textured.
Why is Yountville considered a premium Napa sub-appellation?
Yountville sits at the southern end of the valley floor with well-drained gravelly alluvial soils and a cooler mesoclimate than St. Helena or Rutherford to the north. These conditions favor elegant, precise wines with natural acidity - ideal for both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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