The 100% Merlot cuvée, the 2012 Roberta’s Reserve State Lane Vineyard is, once again, flirting with perfection. A stunning nose of chocolate fudge intermixed with coffee bean, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit is intense, and followed by a full-bodied, gorgeously textured, opulent style of wine with stunning richness and purity. This is a brilliant wine and only represents 12% of the production, as only 300 cases were produced. It should drink well for 20-25 years.

The 2012 Roberta's Reserve is the first Roberta's done with 100% Merlot. It captures all the sensuality of the year in its soft contours and generous, open-knit personality. Naturally, the 2012 doesn't quite have the energy of the very best vintages, but it has aged very, very well. I would prefer to start drinking the 2012 now, as the first signs of aromatic maturity are starting to show. The Roberta's Reserve seems to be aging at a slightly faster clip than the Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin. Harvest took place on October 5.