This is a superb merlot with black olive, blueberry, iodine, and oyster shell. Full body, tight tannins. Chocolate, walnut, and bramble berry. Superb finish. A beauty. Try now but give it four to five years of bottle age. Decant before serving now.

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. - Parker

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. -- Antonio Galloni

A distinctive Merlot that combines muscle with richness. Bold aromas of red currant and tomato leaf lead to rich, complex flavors of cherry, olive and dark Asian spice. The tannins are big but fleshy. Merlot. Drink now through 2023. 200 cases made.–TF