2006 Kapcsàndy Cabernet Sauvignon State Lane Vineyard Grand Vin

Pitch black in color, this is packed and stacked with layers of plush, fat, rich, ripe boysenberries, licorice, chocolate, vanilla, coffee and juicy plums. Blending 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with 8% Merlot and a bit of Cabernet Franc, this is a serious and sexy style of ripe California wine. 96 Points

The nose is brimming with blueberries and spice, with a hint of new wood. The palate is full, chewy, and powerful, very powerful. Give this at least five more years. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. 600 cases. Find the wine

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is a 650-case blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. A candidate for “wine of the vintage,” it boasts an extraordinary perfume of lead pencil shavings, plums, licorice, black currants, and white chocolate as well as a firm, Bordeaux-like structure, good purity, and incredibly sweet fruit. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age, and last for 20-25 years. Those consumers who complain about high alcohol in California Cabernets should realize that this offering possesses less than 14% alcohol. This is a superb line-up of wines from Lou Kapcsandy, who emigrated from Hungary to set up a construction business in Seattle, which he gave up for his true love - making wines along with his wife, Bobbi, and son, Louis. They were fortunate to be able to purchase Beringer’s State Lane Vineyard in Yountville, and have it completely replanted by Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer. They then brought in Bordelais Denis Malbec to help produce the wines, which have gone from strength to strength. The 2006s are magnificent, but may be eclipsed by the 2007s. Tel. (707) 948-3100; Fax (707) 948-3106