Good dark red. Penetrating aromas of blueberry, pine needles, lavender and cedar come across as distinctly cool after the '12 and '13 bottlings. Fine-grained and densely packed if less plush and sweet than the younger vintages of Roberta's. There's a faintly herbal quality throughout the wine that gives it lovely mid-palate lift and refreshes the surprisingly expansive finish. Tannins are substantial but not dry. I suspect I would have scored this very stylish wine higher had I tasted it on its own, and it's certainly a standout in the context of its vintage. I recall that from the outset Lou Kapcsándy was high on his site's Merlot in this challenging growing season, although in March he described 2011 as "the cool vintage." He added that the Merlot was in by October 13 but that it was then necessary to wait 10 or 12 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon to develop ripe phenolics. He referred to the Cabernet as "our Yquem vintage," as strict selection was necessary. 14.1% alcohol; all French oak, 93% new)

The finest two wines of this vintage include the 2011 Roberta's Reserve, which is more reserved and austere than usual. Nevertheless, it still reveals an attractive sweet chocolate and black currant-scented nose with hints of espresso, spicy oak and fruit, and a medium-bodied, supple mouthfeel.