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 month ago

Jody Scharf

9.0

Cab that misses the acids I enjoy, some age but ready now. — 3 months ago

April Hill

10

Winter Trip ❄️ sooo good!!! — 5 months ago

JKT

9.0

New one for me, good combination of earthiness, roundness and bite. — 20 days ago

Matthew Cohen

9.3

Nose: herbal. Elegant. Amazing.

Palate: mineral. Citrus. — 3 months 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. — 4 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on October 11, 2024 at Home with Jay, Eric and Lillie]

Wine is Annabelle’s Block Pinot Noir from Klopp Ranch in Russian River Valley. Purchased wine at Donelan tasting organized by Ned and Beth on May 8, 2024. Tart black cherry, boysenberry and black currant fruit, with nice acidity, spice and chalky note. — 9 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black and blue fruit, violets, roasted meat, spices, wet stones and tobacco. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black raspberry, roasted herbs, black pepper and black olives. Long and savory finish. Complex and very “Northern Rhône-like.” Full bodied, lively and just the right amount of tannin. Excellent! — 2 months ago

Shaun McKinsey

9.0

Blackberry and currant. Hint of figs; earthy on the nose. Long finish. Nice bottle. — 3 months ago

with Sarah

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, cigar box and cedar scents. On the palate flavors of black cherry, plum and currants with cacao, floral and oaky notes. Fine dusty tannins, long finish ending with fruit, floral, oak and earthy mineral character. Very Nice! Good now. — 4 months ago