Freddy R. Troya

9.7

2006 Kelham Vineyards Merlot – Oakville, Napa Valley

An absolute showstopper. The king of the hill in the Kelham lineup, and easily one of the most sensual, ultra-soft, and luscious Merlots I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. This vintage captures the essence of Kelham Vineyards at its most expressive.

On the nose, it’s a dream: ripe red and black cherries, cocoa powder, sweet vanilla, and the savory lift of green olive, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. Every aromatic hint finds its way onto the palate, what you smell is precisely what you taste. That aromatic-to-palate symmetry? Remarkably rare.

Flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry unfold seamlessly, with those earthy, savory notes adding dimension. The texture is plush but structured. Tannins are firm, yet silky and sweet. My first sip had that chewy, velvety grip that only a well-aged, meticulously crafted Merlot can deliver. The finish? Stretches gracefully for over 5–7 seconds.

Vintner Ronald Nicholson, whom I had the chance to meet, described this wine as one of tremendous balance and lingering beauty. I couldn’t agree more. It’s aging like a legend, and still has a long, thriving runway ahead.

This was the perfect finale to my Kelham journey, and the undisputed winner.
Cheers!
— 7 days ago

Stuart Pollack

9.8

Finally i bought a Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of a Bordeaux. A beautiful, powerful, complex steak wine. Cranberry, earth, tar, leather, and spice. Smooth and elegant with smooth bitter tannins in the finish. — 3 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

Corked broke. Again. Constant issue with older Nickel wines and particularly this one

Thankfully wine was solid. Starts off quite juicy and plush.

With a little time and the right food pairing, it provides a little more grip and flavor.

For me - this took some caviar and salt to really get it going and then it was at another level. Rating is with caviar. Definitely 2-3 pts less without it. — 4 months ago

Eric

9.6

“G” block Merlot. A little better than the C block I had a couple of weeks ago but who knows at this age could be bottle variance. Super smooth black cherry cola. — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

2013 Kelham Vineyards “Sons” Proprietary Red – Oakville, Napa Valley

Crafted by Rawson Kelham and inspired by his wife Susanna’s love for balanced reds, “The Sons” is a masterful blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 10% Sangiovese. Lovingly bottled by Rawson’s stepsons—who’ve been at the helm of this line for over 20 years—this 2013 vintage was cellared until 2016, with just 300+ cases produced.

Now, over a decade since harvest, this wine is a revelation. The blend unfolds seamlessly-structured, layered, and impossibly harmonious. Aromatically, it’s a mature tapestry of dark cherries, dried herbs, cedar, and hints of worn leather. On the palate, it’s intense yet controlled: lush black fruit, plum, a whisper of tobacco, and an echo of sweet balsamic reduction that brings complexity without weight.

What’s most striking is its youthful acidity—this bottle feels alive, still pulsing with energy as if it’s just waking up. That freshness paired with age-built depth makes it one of the most compelling wines I’ve had from Kelham (and I’ve had many—see my past notes!).

This is Oakville at its best. Bold, nuanced, timeless.

Speechless after the first glass. Crazy delicious.
Cheers! — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

A rare and refined expression of Napa Valley Chardonnay, this small-production gem from Kelham Vineyards showcases the elegance of dry-farmed fruit and a vigneron-driven approach. Aged in neutral French oak and partially undergoing malolactic fermentation, it takes cues from Chablis while staying true to its Californian roots.

Delicate white flowers and lemon curd lift the nose, while the palate reveals beautifully restrained tropical fruit and a whisper of candied mandarin. Remarkably fresh and focused for its age, this 2015 is graceful, structured, and quietly powerful. A true artisan Chardonnay textured, terroir-driven, and unapologetically distinctive. Seek it out if you appreciate purity over flash. — 21 days ago

Darren Harper

9.3

Last time having a Kelham island beer, brewery no more 😢 — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

2013 Kelham Vineyards Cabernet Franc – Oakville, Napa Valley

Another masterpiece from vintner Ronald Nicholson, this 2013 Cabernet Franc is a rich, complex, and deeply expressive wine that perfectly showcases the varietal’s potential in Oakville terroir.

On the nose, it opens with layered aromas of cigar smoke, dusty blackberries, and sweet vanilla, inviting and instantly intriguing.

The palate delivers a powerful mix of dark cherry, plum, and subtle earthy notes, all wrapped in finely textured, chalky tannins. There’s a savory, meaty core that adds depth and juiciness, especially at the front of the palate.

Mouthfeel overall: Bold and structured, yet silky and refined. The balance of red and dark fruit is seamless, leading to a long, luxurious, and graceful finish. This wine is clearly cruising at its prime, showing finesse, polish, and just enough power to impress.

Extremely limited production. So, if you come across a bottle, don’t hesitate. It’s absolutely worth it.

Cheers!
— 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

A serious Merlot that holds its own among Napa’s elite, this 2014 expression from Kelham Vineyards is a masterclass in depth, balance, and refinement.

From first pour, it reveals a full-bodied and richly layered profile, showcasing ripe black cherry, blackberry, and cocoa powder. There’s a savory thread of graphite and licorice, evolving into baked plums and forest berries, particularly blackberry and blackcurrant. Hints of violet add an aromatic lift, while warm baking spices and a whisper of allspice speak to its well-judged oak aging.

On the palate, it’s plush and structured, with fine, well-integrated tannins and a soft acidity that reflects the ripeness of the 2014 vintage. There’s just enough dark chocolate bitterness to give contrast, balanced by subtle creamy notes—likely yeast-driven—adding to its mouth-coating texture.

This Merlot is gliding into its prime, showing poise and power in equal measure. Still holding the potential to age gracefully, it’s yet another standout from Kelham’s focused and expressive portfolio.

Cheers to elegance in a glass!
— 8 days ago

Eric

9.5

Smooth funk. — 5 years ago