Kelham Vineyards
Oakville Merlot
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
2006 Kelham Vineyards Merlot – Oakville, Napa Valley
An absolute showstopper. The king of the hill in the Kelham lineup, and easily one of the most sensual, ultra-soft, and luscious Merlots I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. This vintage captures the essence of Kelham Vineyards at its most expressive.
On the nose, it’s a dream: ripe red and black cherries, cocoa powder, sweet vanilla, and the savory lift of green olive, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. Every aromatic hint finds its way onto the palate, what you smell is precisely what you taste. That aromatic-to-palate symmetry? Remarkably rare.
Flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry unfold seamlessly, with those earthy, savory notes adding dimension. The texture is plush but structured. Tannins are firm, yet silky and sweet. My first sip had that chewy, velvety grip that only a well-aged, meticulously crafted Merlot can deliver. The finish? Stretches gracefully for over 5–7 seconds.
Vintner Ronald Nicholson, whom I had the chance to meet, described this wine as one of tremendous balance and lingering beauty. I couldn’t agree more. It’s aging like a legend, and still has a long, thriving runway ahead.
This was the perfect finale to my Kelham journey, and the undisputed winner.
Cheers!
2006 Kelham Vineyards Merlot – Oakville, Napa Valley
An absolute showstopper. The king of the hill in the Kelham lineup, and easily one of the most sensual, ultra-soft, and luscious Merlots I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. This vintage captures the essence of Kelham Vineyards at its most expressive.
On the nose, it’s a dream: ripe red and black cherries, cocoa powder, sweet vanilla, and the savory lift of green olive, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. Every aromatic hint finds its way onto the palate, what you smell is precisely what you taste. That aromatic-to-palate symmetry? Remarkably rare.
Flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry unfold seamlessly, with those earthy, savory notes adding dimension. The texture is plush but structured. Tannins are firm, yet silky and sweet. My first sip had that chewy, velvety grip that only a well-aged, meticulously crafted Merlot can deliver. The finish? Stretches gracefully for over 5–7 seconds.
Vintner Ronald Nicholson, whom I had the chance to meet, described this wine as one of tremendous balance and lingering beauty. I couldn’t agree more. It’s aging like a legend, and still has a long, thriving runway ahead.
This was the perfect finale to my Kelham journey, and the undisputed winner.
Cheers!
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!
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!