Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2013 vintage. Decanted and tasted after two hours. Medium body. Leaning heavily towards a feminine-styled Cabernet and has dropped nearly all of the braggadocio of youth. As mentioned with another reviewer @Jay Kline not even close to being as exciting as the producer’s Les Pavots bottling and fairly one-dimensional. More than a bit disappointing given the initial acclaim. 05.29.25. — 5 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.4

Delicious. This had a lot of fruit while still maintaining depth and a bit of complexity.

Tannins were present but not too strong.

Overall very smooth — 14 days ago

Adam Kincaid

9.5

This one is a showstopper. Complex and big. Heavy but with grace. Some really nice cab sauv components (88%) but you definitely get the petit Verdot (12%) too. Cassis, plum, blackberry fruits lead out but with some smoked cigar and tobacco leaf that is undeniable. Graphite and menthol. Its balanced perfectly with firm tannins and large acidity. Persists for a while. Gotta end the night with this one. — 4 months ago

with Jillian

Paul J

9.1

PnP. Probably ever so slightly past prime. Nice Sangiovese. Bright fruit with some earth. Not as bold or deep as I remember. Very consistent, good food wine. — 8 days ago

with Brooke

Tom Garland

9.1

+1 hour decant(some fine/cloudy sediment). A remarkable dark ruby red color. On the nose: subdued notes of dark fruit, floral, menthol, loamy soil, tobacco leaf. Taste: silky,smooth wine with dark plum/cherry, dark chocolate, dried herbs, crushed rocks, and a cedar tobacco medium plus little astringent finish. — 16 days ago

with Brenda

Henry Fuseler

9.0

5/2025. Bold flavor and finish. Very nice to drink. — 11 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.2

Auction wine. Broken cork. Again. Wine was at base of the neck. I think cakebread got a batch of bad corks. No wine into the cork and they all broke right at the end. Not sure how it affected the wine but it’s been a consistent issue

Wine exhibited some decent fruit but no real depth or grip. Very smooth and medium body but missing some power and complexity expected from this site.

— a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

A serious Merlot that holds its own among Napa’s elite, this 2014 expression from Kelham Vineyards is a masterclass in depth, balance, and refinement.

From first pour, it reveals a full-bodied and richly layered profile, showcasing ripe black cherry, blackberry, and cocoa powder. There’s a savory thread of graphite and licorice, evolving into baked plums and forest berries, particularly blackberry and blackcurrant. Hints of violet add an aromatic lift, while warm baking spices and a whisper of allspice speak to its well-judged oak aging.

On the palate, it’s plush and structured, with fine, well-integrated tannins and a soft acidity that reflects the ripeness of the 2014 vintage. There’s just enough dark chocolate bitterness to give contrast, balanced by subtle creamy notes—likely yeast-driven—adding to its mouth-coating texture.

This Merlot is gliding into its prime, showing poise and power in equal measure. Still holding the potential to age gracefully, it’s yet another standout from Kelham’s focused and expressive portfolio.

Cheers to elegance in a glass!
— an hour ago

Norman Gennaro

9.3

Good but not as great as the previous one. — 7 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.1

Medium purple color. Aromas of blackberry compote, plum and violets. Bright red fruit and black fruit on the palate, mocha and tobacco.

🏅92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
🏅91 Points - James Suckling — a month ago