The Kapcsandy Collection

The Kapcsándy (pronounced "Cup-chon-dy") story is a unique combination of old-world values and American ingenuity, combining classic European grand cru-style with modern state-of-the-art technology.  Most of all, it’s the story of a family that’s simply passionate about wine.

Lou Kapcsándy emigrated to the U.S. from his native Hungary in 1956 and embarked on an extremely successful career in chemical engineering and manufacturing. Through colleagues in the wine business, he began sourcing exceptional European wines for his cellar, while simultaneously mentoring an emergent group of local entrepreneurs who would become early icons of Washington State’s wine industry.

In 1998, a visit by Lou and his wife, Bobbie, to one of Bordeaux’s centuries-old estates, Leoville-Las Cases, planted a seed of desire:  to create a wine-based business in partnership with their son, Louis, Jr., and to retire in California’s Napa Valley. The family began touring properties for sale, and within three months they discovered a singular 20-acre parcel in Yountville, one the original crown jewels of Beringer Estates Private Reserve Cabernet program.  In May 2000, they closed escrow on the property and embarked upon a rigorous plan to replant the vineyard after two years of reintroducing essential nutrients to the soil.

In 2002, the Kapcsándys completely replanted their vineyard site to 15 specific blocks, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, then construction was finalized on a state-of-the-art winery in September 2005.  Finally, the family began to implement its longtime vision: to consistently produce wines of “First Growth” quality that could rival any region or winery in the world.  To that end, the family lives and works on-site since 2004, overseeing all aspects of the vineyard management and winemaking operations.

2007 State Lane –

Very deep purple in color, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is still a baby on the nose, sporting extravagant crème de cassis, blueberry pie and spice box notes with hints of dried lavender, aged meat, tilled soil and Sichuan pepper notes with a touch of tobacco. Medium-bodied and firm with fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, it gives layer upon layer of black fruit and earth notions, finishing very long. Give it another 4-5 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20+. – RP100

2016 State Lane –

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored with a lovely crème de cassis core backed-up by the most amazing perfume of lilacs, oolong tea, camphor and dark chocolate plus gentle wafts of aniseed and red currants. Mediumbodied with fantastic vibrancy and intensity, the palate practically rings with spine-tingling energy. It slowly builds in the mouth to reveal layers of red and black fruits supported by a very finely grained frame and seamless freshness, leading to a drop dead gorgeous, perfumed lift on the long finish. Sex in a glass. – RP100

2018 State Lane –

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon again this year. "Now that the vineyard has matured, the Cabernet vines give us full, complete wines," Kapcsandy's consulting winemaker, Tony Arcudi, said. The wine was aged in French oak, 90% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose needs a little coaxing to release scents of fresh black and red currant, blackberries and kirsch with touches of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and violets, plus a waft of chocolate mint. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with super firm, super ripe tannins and amazing freshness supporting the packed-in layers of black and red fruits, finishing long and earthy/savory. Yep, nailed it. – RP100

2019 State Lane –

Deep purple-black, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard rockets out of the glass with intense notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves and blueberry pie, plus hints of Chinese five spice, dusty soil, menthol, tar and black truffles, with a waft of roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, delivering layer upon layer of vibrant black and blue fruits with a rock-solid backbone of super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and just plain delicious. Pure, seemingly effortless, seamless perfection. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 80% new French oak, the alcohol is a relatively modest 14.3%. 300 cases were made. – RP100

2018 Roberta’s Reserve –

The 2018 Roberta's Reserve is another magnificent wine from the Kapcsándy family. Beautifully ripe and deep, the Roberta's balances richness with elegance in a stunning style. Black cherry, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol, build as this creamy, expansive Merlot opens over time. The 2018 is all class. In a word: superb. – AG98

2019 Roberta’s Reserve –

Coming all from the estate vineyard in Yountville, the 2019 Roberta's Reserve is all Merlot that was brought up in 70% new French oak, with a scant 225 cases produced. It's another totally thrilling vintage for this cuvée and offers a Pomerol-like style in its red, blue, and black fruits as well as tobacco, cedary herbs, damp earth, and truffle-like aromas and flavors. Incredibly elegant, full-bodied, pure, and as seamless as they come, this is one of those wines that brings incredible intensity and depth while staying understated, flawlessly balanced, and ethereal. It's one of the finest Merlots in the world. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20 years or so. – JD98