Five Sons

Kelham Vineyards

Sons Oakville Red Blend

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!
— 19 days ago

Ted liked this

Saarloos & Sons

In Grateful Memory Of Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Laura, Tom and 3 others liked this

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2017

Wine 1, with rack of lamb. As my drinking history shows, Raffault is a perennial favorite. 2017 is easy access with medium weight, wild red berry fruit, tomato leaf, and earth. Drink over the next five years. Holding ‘09, ‘14, ‘15, and ‘18 with patience. — 6 months ago

romo, Andrew and 6 others liked this

Sine Qua Non

Five Shooter Syrah 2010

Fuck that's good. Thanks Derek. — a month ago

Elk Cove Vineyards

Five Mountain Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir 2022

2022 vintage. Last tasted 4.17.24 (9.1). This grew up quickly...filled out in all the right places with the smoke, plum flavors/scents tabulating receipts. Not quite as much body as their La Bohème effort but close behind. Newish AVA. 03.19.25. — 3 months ago

Douglas, David and 8 others liked this

Aubert

Larry Hyde & Sons Chardonnay 2021

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. — 3 months ago

Daniel, Shay and 27 others liked this
"Odedi"

"Odedi" Influencer Badge

I need to try the Chardonnay

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2001

With a three hour decant still very tannic and stemmy. Probably needs another five plus years — 8 months ago

Chappellet

Grower Collection Calesa Vineyard Five Blocks Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2022

A superb aromatic 100% Chardonnay, the V. 2022 Grower Collection is entirely sourced from the Calesa Vineyard by the Petaluma Gap, situated in the coolest parts of Sonoma County where Chard ripens slowly, developing pure, vibrant flavors and ideal acidity. They grow Chards from Clones Robert Young, and Burgundian Dijons.

This particular Chard wakes up all senses with its vibrant notes of lemon meringue, some ripened lychees, and baked guava. On the palate is respectfully complex, baked stony fruits in the mid-range and the lemon and mandarine peels continue to dominate to the back-end of the tongue.

Mouthfeel overall, pleasant, savory on soft spices, creamy thanks to its 100% MLF, and enticing oak touch coming from the 35% new French oak the wine was seating on. Great price point considering the quantity produced (1,200 cases) and where it comes from. Cheers!
— 2 months ago

Ted, Dave and 4 others liked this

Shafer Vineyards

One Point Five Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

2022 vintage. Sampled via Coravin. A bit more fruit than the 2021 vintage sampled just prior. Still...über-pleasant and giving now. Cellar it. PNP it tonight. Somewhere in between...doesn't really matter as you'll be more than satisfied regardless of your decision. 03.19.25. — 3 months ago

Andrew, Douglas and 11 others liked this

Cain Vineyard & Winery

Cain Five Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2011

A Burgundian-styled Cab Sauv from the one of the most compelling Sub AVA of Napa mountains (Mayacamas) which has an amazing soil and solid influence from the Pacific. Crafted with an amazing balance of 68% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 5% and the rest to round it off its structure and age ability. The 2011 is still climbing to its peak. Enticing notes of dry red fruits on the nose and mouth, delicate, outstandingly silky and nearly perfect balance!
The finish shows its beauty. (if you find it, it won’t disappoint you) it will give the run for the money.
— 4 months ago