Kelham

Kelham makes estate-grown Napa Valley wines in Oakville and, unusually, cellar-ages them before release. That means the library Cabernet and Merlot you taste here have already had the bottle time most wineries expect you to provide yourself.

Founder and winemaker Ron Nicholsen now leads what the family call the next generation of Kelham, with membership benefits including year-round two-day shipping and full control over allocations. The range covers Estate and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the Sons red blend, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and fortified wines, plus large formats up to six-litre Imperials. Michael scores it 8 across ambiance, wine and staff. Visits are by appointment, and it deserves a slot on a Napa Cabernet day.