Kapcsandy Tasting Dinner

Lovely tasting dinner put together by Grailey's with Lou Kapcsandy Jr. Lou is co-owner of the winery with his parents. Great story of his father's immigration from Hungary, move to the west coast, and acquisition of this Star Lane vineyard.

Lou was a very informational host. While Denis Malbec is the winemaker, Lou is involved at every stage and has a lot of input on all processes. All of the reds are very much Bordeaux in style, with the Grand Vins hearkening to Pauillac.

Simon prepared a lovely dinner of char-grilled steaks with a peppercorn sauce, salmon, scalloped potatoes and steamed veggies. Approximately 20 guests in attendance.

Had a glass of NV champagne upon arrival. Not in any way related to Kapcsandy.

• NV Pierre Morlet Champagne Premier Cru Brut Grande Réserve 85 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

  Just not my style. Flabby. Very little fruit. More of a buttery pastry flavor than anything.

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All reds were open for approx. 3 hours prior to tasting.

• 2010 Kapcsándy Family Winery Endre 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  Approachable wine right now. Deep red hue. Dark red fruit and loamy soil. Medium+ weight. No noticeable oak. Bold, but smooth. Some grip still in the tannins. Medium+ finish. Much preferred this to the 2011 Estate Cuvee. Great with the steak.

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• 2011 Kapcsándy Family Winery Estate Cuvée State Lane Vineyard 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  Just didn't really do it for me. Look, this is nice wine and I'm sure if I had it in isolation I would have enjoyed it. But the 2010 Endre was better and is noticeably less expensive. This has some wet oak on the nose and palate that was not present in the other Kapcsandy wines - even the 2011 Grand Vin, which is generally similar juice. Finish was very muted. My least favorite of the lineup.

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• 2010 Kapcsándy Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Grand Vin) State Lane Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  This is a beautiful wine right now. Deep nose of black and purple fruits and pencil lead. Very smooth and balanced on the palate. Lou explained that while they use new oak and age this for 20 months, the idea is to let the fruit be the star. Mission accomplished - really no oak on the nose, palate or finish. The finish is a monster, but still very, very smooth.
  
  This was open for approx. 3 hours prior to tasting. Certainly recommend similar treatment. While this can be cellared for decades, drinking great for me right now. 96+

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• 2011 Kapcsándy Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Grand Vin) State Lane Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  This is easily one of the best 2011s I've had from Napa to this point. But still a notch below the 2010 Grand Vin from Kapcsandy.
  
  A very lovely wine. More violets than the 2010. Less of the "Left Bank" characteristics of pencil lead. Similarly fine balanced without a trace of oak. Very lovely rolling finish that was just a bit short of the spectacular 2010.

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Port-style wine was enjoyable with cheesecake bites.

• 2010 Kapcsándy Family Winery Vino Del Sol State Lane Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  Nice port-style wine. Tasty with cheesecake bites. Similar in color to the Kapcsandy reds that were in glass next to it, with a touch of amber. Ripe (almost overripe) plum and raisin. Some orange blossom. Medium weight on the palate. Medium finish.

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Some very well made wines on all fronts. Really well crafted and balanced. All of the reds are incredibly smooth. Lou noted that they design the Grand Vins like Left Bank Bordeaux, and similarly recommend cellaring before enjoyment. But he also noted that he thinks they drink quite well young, and further noted that because he tastes so many young wines, his tastes are beginning to slant that direction such that he enjoys drinking his own wines younger than he used to. As always, a matter of taste!

Only unfortunate note is the price point that these wines now command. Even the "entry level" Endre has become a $80 retail wine, with the Grand Vin running $350 and upwards depending on the vintage and scores.

It was a real pleasure to met Lou and get a deeper understanding for these wines and the family history of the vineyard. Simon and the Grailey's team put on a fantastic tasting (as always). Plenty of fun had by all, and a very casual atmosphere meant for enjoying the wine in your own personal style.