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! — 6 months ago
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. — 8 months ago
Ruby in color with medium plus intensity.
Fruity nose and medium plus in body.
Dry on the palate with medium acidity.
Showing red fruits with earth, light wood, spices, coffee, black tea, metals and peppercorn.
Short and tangy finish with tart raspberries and soft tannins.
This 7 year old Mourvedre blend from Yakima Valley is still drinking nicely, although a little past its prime. Soft and smooth. Elegant and fruit forward.
This Single Vineyard GSM blend is elegant and feels more like a like Southern Rhone red. Nicely balanced with nice complexity.
A blend of 70% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache and 5% Syrah.
14.5% alcohol by volume.
89 points.
$45. — 14 days ago
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! — 5 months ago
Winter Trip ❄️ sooo good!!! — 9 months ago
Nose: herbal. Elegant. Amazing.
Palate: mineral. Citrus. — 7 months ago
Freddy R. Troya
Krupp Brothers – Cabernet Sauvignon “Veraison” 2009
Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸
Overview:
From the famed Stagecoach Vineyard, this 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon shows why Krupp Brothers has earned a reputation for power and finesse. At nearly 15 years, it’s still on the ascent, with structure and depth that promise more evolution ahead.
Aromas & Flavors:
Layers of dark cassis, blackberry compote, and black cherry mingle with graphite, cedar, and espresso. Hints of dried violets and cocoa powder emerge with air, weaving a bouquet that is both bold and nuanced.
Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and dense, yet polished. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity still hold the core tightly, making it feel youthful despite its age. The finish is long, savory, and mineral-driven, echoing dark fruit and spice.
Food Pairings:
A classic match for dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, or wild mushroom risotto.
Verdict:
An outstanding wine, multi-layered, complex, and still climbing toward its peak. A bottle to savor now with decanting, but also a treasure for collectors willing to wait.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
This vintage remains one of the standout expressions of Stagecoach Vineyard fruit, alongside 2010, it is a benchmark release. Collectors take note: the 2009 is still gaining complexity and shows remarkable staying power. — 22 days ago