Kapcsándy Family Winery

California
State Lane Vineyard
The Kapcsándy family moved to Napa to pursue Lou Kapcsándy’s retirement dream, the Kapcsándy Family Winery, which Lou runs with his wife, Bobbie, and son, Louis.  In 1999, the Kapcsándy family purchased Beringer’s old State Lane Vineyard that Beringer used for decades to produce their Private Reserve.  The Kapcsándy family completely replanted it, and brought in well-known Bordelais Denis Malbec (of Château Latour) to work with Californian Rob Lawson to craft undeniable Bordeaux-styled blends of elegance and longevity.
2004
"2004 was a tiny crop for [Kapcsandy], largely harvested August 30 to mid-September, because of the extraordinary heat wave (104 to 109 degrees between September 5-8). The final blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot was a rarity given the fact that production from the vineyard was subdivided into other cuvees starting in 2005. The 2004 performed spectacularly and the good news is that 1,200-1,300 cases were produced. Showing better than it did in its infancy, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot has an inky purple color as well as notes of lead pencil shavings and scorched earth that resemble a great Graves, blackberry and creme de cassis fruit, licorice and subtle smoky barbecue. It also reveals a full-bodied texture, stunning concentration and beautiful richness. This is the only time the Kapcsandys made this particular blend and it certainly is performing incredibly well at age ten. It’s one of the superstars of the vintage and should continue to drink well for another 15-20 years.”  
Robert Parker Score: 98PTS