The 2018 Roberta's Reserve is all elegance, all class. But it is also more reserved than it was a year ago. That's probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects, though. In 2018, the Roberta's is especially fine and understated. I can't wait to taste it in another few years' time. That 2018 retrospective will be here before you know it! -- Antonio Galloni

The Merlot-dominated 2018 Roberta's Reserve (there is 2% Cabernet Franc) is also deeply hued and has a great nose of smoked black and blue fruits, gravelly earth, chocolate, and tobacco. As with all the wines here, it has incredible purity of fruit, the tannins are just about perfect, and it’s flawlessly balanced. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years.

(96+ points) A blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Roberta's Reserve State Lane Vineyard was aged in French oak, 75% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with energetic notes of crushed red and black plums, boysenberries and Morello cherries plus hints of blueberry pie, camphor, dark chocolate, star anise and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid foundation of ripe, rounded tannins and bold freshness supporting the generous, crunchy black and red fruit, finishing long and lifted. 175 cases were made.- LPB