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!
— a month ago

Adrienne Davis

9.8

I really like this rosé. Dry and easy. Linda Nicholson liked it. Recommended by Austin at Wine and cheese merchant — 3 years ago

Ron R

9.1

We purchased a case from the winery. This is a subtle expression of chard. Bridges the divide between Napa opulence and steely burgs. Nice zippy nose, which presents grapefruits and white flowers. Palate displays lemon, with a wisp of sage. A hint of oak is also evident. Drink these now. — 5 years ago

with Anne-marie

Celeste Player

9.0

Andy hooked us up on this new find. Only a few cases produced so you know the love is in the bottle. Date night with the wifey and this smooth and velvety on the intro with big Napa notes is a winner. — 9 months ago

CG

9.2

I didn’t know I liked Chardonnay until I drank this. — 2 years ago

Margaret Beth

9.5

Deep plum leather smoke really good for Xmas Eve. — 5 years ago

Paul T HB

9.7

Fantastic Sleeping Lady, just as good as Fait Main Sleeping bottle.
But only $99.00 — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Ripe red fruits - raspberry and plum in this case. A medium bodied palate - quite delicious. 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Fine silky tannins - a pleasant surprise from a winery I had not heard of before we visited them in Gippsland last Christmas/New Year. We bought this at the winery and I was surprised how good this wine was. Only 140 cases made. A very fine Merlot Blend. — a year ago

Andy Thomson

9.0

Soft. Still drinking we’ll — 2 years ago

with Cheryl

Dennis Kellison

9.0

A real favorite..,their process is the best — 5 years ago

with Karen