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! — a day ago

Joe Estrada

9.4

Mineralty, acidity & deliciousness in a glass — 2 years ago

David Walser

9.2

Always like the Phelps Syrah. Big Phelps week for me. — 4 years ago

Jody Scharf

9.0

Cab that misses the acids I enjoy, some age but ready now. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.7

Of all the American red wines that participated in the Judgement of Paris, it could be argued that Monte Bello has shown the greatest propensity to age. In fact, I would go as far as it requires lengthy cellaring to extract its best. I’ve had the good fortune to drink a number of tremendous vintages of Monte Bello over the last several years and this one has got to be at or near the top of the lot.

Opened and poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1991 Monte Bello pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core moving out towards a light ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart black currants, mixed bramble fruit, tobacco, some purple flowers, dill, mint, leather, earth, vanilla and associated baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. The structure remains tremendous which again, seems to indicate youth. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is super long and immensely satisfying. This is one of those wines that will outlive most humans. Drinking well now with a short decant but this has the gas to see 2061 with ease. — 5 months ago

Gary Nishimura

9.5

Actually 10121 proprietary Red Blend 2018 picked, 2020 bottled. Very good. Looking forward to going back to get more. Smooth, good depth,.smelled great — 4 years ago

Ron R

9.4

This was so well behaved. Subtle nose of pineapple and roasted nuts. Mid palate presents honeysuckle, honeydew melon and moderate acidity. Finishes soft and round. Unsure that this will further improve with cellaring. — 3 months ago

Jeremiah Glazer

9.4

Green apple and dried cranberry goodness! Pleasantly tart with a slightly puckering finish. — a year ago

Gary Nishimura

9.5

Loved this Pinot. Rich and smooth. — 3 years ago

Joshua Fisher

9.6

Winemaker shown — 4 years ago