Ming L

9.3

The nose is a tapestry of ripe plum, cedar, and smoky graphite, with a vivid burst of crème de cassis and violets. The palate is plush and sleek, offering concentrated blackberry and earthy notes framed by suave tannins. Finish is long and savoury.

Purchased at around $40. What a value! — 18 days ago

Chantelle M

8.9

Easy drinking. Someone brought to NYE 2025 — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I have never had a bad bottle of BVT in any vintage 15+ yrs in bottle. Likely $28-$30 on release.

Last day of California Indian Summer.

@Chaminade — 4 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.
— 2 years ago

Her Mir Tage

9.7

1955 Giacomo Conterno Barolo (Ditta) – The "Great Emperor"

Appearance: The wine unfurls in the glass with a majestic, deep garnet core that gracefully fades into a wide brick-orange rim—the unmistakable heraldry of seven decades of life. It is perfectly clear and luminous, promising a profound experience.

Nose (Aroma): The aromatic profile is a walk through an ancient, sacred forest after the rain. It opens with a deep sense of humid earth, fungal truffle, and a subtle, refined smoked leather. As it opens, a beautiful core of blueberry compote and dried dark fruits emerges, intertwined with a complex tapestry of Chinese medicinal herbs and dried florals. It is both powerful and hauntingly ethereal.

Palate (Taste): The palate is a breathtaking journey into umami and complexity. True to the legend, the fruit has transformed into an intense medley of sweet preserved fruit (dried apricot, date). This is immediately met with a profound savory depth: a distinct salted Chinese preserved plum character provides a mouthwatering salinity, while a fine dusting of astragalus root powder and angelica root brings an authentic, warming medicinal bitterness that defines the wine’s regal structure. A hint of spicy dried ginger soda lingers on the mid-palate, adding a lift of unexpected freshness.

Acidity & Structure: The acidity is the heartbeat of this wine—sustained, mellow, and incredibly refined. It does not jab but rather flows continuously, carrying the dense, dried flavors across the palate with remarkable energy. The tannins have fully resolved into a silken, powdery texture, leaving nothing but harmony.

Finish: The finish is eternal, echoing with notes of dried citrus peel, forest floor, and a final whisper of sweet tobacco and herbs. A truly humbling experience; this is not merely a wine, but a living artifact of time, worthy of the title "Great Emperor." — 17 days 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! — 10 months 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

Big Wave Dave

9.4

This is extraordinary for a base pinot. Asparagus, prosciutto, and vegetal notes dominates the nose. The palate unfurls into a savoury tapestry of tannin, dark cherry and salami. This is long and complex and would improve with cellaring given the balance and tannic grip. Punching well above its weight. — 2 months ago

Lars

9.3

No decant needed! — 2 months 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. — 5 months ago