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Robert Parker - Wine Advocate Issue #168, December 26, 2006

December 26, 2006

2003 Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard
Rating: 90 points

There are only about 200 cases of the debut vintage, the 2003 Proprietary Red Wine State Lane Vineyard (a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot). The Kapcsandys were unsure whether or not they would release this effort, but it has actually aged reasonably well, coming across as a dark ruby-colored, medium-bodied, floral-infused effort with plenty of sweet fruit, aromatic complexity (it smells like a hypothetical blend of classified growth Margaux and Graves), and a fine finish. It should drink well for 10-15 years. —Robert Parker

2004 Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard
Rating: 95 points

A breakthrough effort, the 2004 Proprietary Red Wine State Lane Vineyard is a combination of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by lovely, evolved aromas of blueberries, black currants, white chocolate, licorice, and pain grille. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, finely etched, and impeccably well-balanced, with abundant amounts of sweet fruit, it should evolve for another 15-20 years. —Robert Parker

2005 Kapcsandy Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon State Lane Vineyard
Rating: (95-97) points

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon State Lane Vineyard (700 cases) comes across like a first or second growth Bordeaux. Copious amounts of black currants, graphite, cedar, spice box, and toasty, smoky oak emerge from this opaque purple-colored, full-bodied, powerful, rich, complex Cabernet. Like its siblings, it admirably demonstrates what an energetic, passionate proprietor can achieve in a short period of time with good raw materials and the right winemaking team. Anticipated maturity: 2009 2020 Not yet released —Robert Parker

2005 Kapcsandy Family Winery Roberta's Reserve State Lane Vineyard
Rating: (94-96) points

There are only 250 cases of the 2005 Roberta’s Reserve State Lane Vineyard. Completely different from its siblings, it represents a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, and clearly shows what Merlot is capable of achieving in Napa Valley’s southern region. A wine of exceptional complexity, it reveals gorgeous amounts of berry fruit interwoven with notions of charcoal, sweet mocha, and coffee. Voluptuous, rich, medium to full-bodied, and long, it possesses an overriding sense of elegance that is reminiscent of a great Bordeaux. It will be even better after several years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15 years. Not yet released. —Robert Parker

2005 Kapcsandy Family Winery Estate Cuvee State Lane Vineyard
Rating: (90-92) points

To some extent a second label, the 2005 Estate Cuvee State Lane Vineyard (a 1,400-case blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc) exhibits a dark plum/purple hue as well as aromas and flavors of charcoal, chocolate, blueberries, black currants, loamy soil, minerals, and flowers. This seductive, supple wine should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Not yet released.
—Robert Parker