Paul T HB

9.6

Almost 30 years old that was less than $30.00 back then.
Bought recently on secondary market. — a month ago

Haylee Gardiner

10

Wow. I absolutely love this wine and cannot wait to have it again! It’s a balanced blend that’s easy on the palate but flavorful! — 5 months ago

Big Wave Dave

9.4

Effortless, silky, seductive, and quietly powerful. The nose gives off strong tapenade/black olive to start, then settles into deep dark fruit, tar, and provencale herbs. Smoky, complex, and very long. The silky tannins weave in and out of the tapestry of dark fruit. The fruit is so pure and complex - you can taste the vine age. Outstanding wine that will kick on for another 20+ yrs. — 3 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.4

Explosive, super expressive nose. Burgundian. Nutty, mushroomy, savoury notes on the nose. Powerful dark fruited spicy core. But slinks across the palate with Burgundian weight. delicate and filigree. Tapestry. Yes!. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.

Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.

Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.

Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place. — a day ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.1

Delightful. For a 20 year old wine this certainly surprised with its freshness. Velvety smooth at this point and just a rich treat of dark fruit and soft tannins, some primary fruit remaining amongst a tapestry of secondaries. Really doing well for what was a cheap wine at the time. — 3 years ago

with Sam

Shawn Thompson

9.7

A complete tapestry on the palate. A perfectly woven balance of the right fruit, the right heat, the weight. Cocoa, tobacco, stewed plum, rich winter spice and a very subtle hint of rhubarb. Spectacular. A true shame Tyler stopped producing. — 3 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! — 5 months ago

Ming L

9.1

For solid, fairly-priced Bordeaux blends from Napa/Sonoma, the Mariner and BV Tapestry are my picks.
The ‘18 is ripe, dark, and juicy and lots of herbal elements. Supple tannins. Long savory finish.
Should have a good 8-10 years life ahead.
— a year ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.5

God these are such beautiful wines. Floral beyond belief, with such a precise, finely woven tapestry of a bouquet. Settles and spreads on the tongue like molten taffy, ever so subtle rs cloaked in vigorous minerality and a great swath of satsuma mandarin and yellow peach acids. — 3 years ago