Two Cal Cabs 2002
 

We had friends at our farm and with grilled beef tenderloin I opened a
2002 Kelham Oakville Estates Reserve Cabernet and 2002 Nickel & Nickel
Stelling Vineyard Oakville Cabernet. These two wines come from sites
quite close to one another yet are vastly different in style and
texture. The Kelham was almost black in the glass but with a medium/
heavy weight in the glass. Cassis, espresso, blacberry on a very
tightly wound frame followed by fine grained yet firm tannins. A wine
to age a few more years. A-/B+ but will improve. The Nickel and
Nickel Stelling was a bit lighter in color and heft showing a medium
bodied wine. Ripe nose of black cherry, blueberry and chocolate with
smooth rich fruit on the palate. Very open and inviting now with
plush soft tannic structure and well balanced acidity. The wine will
improve a bit in the next few years but not a wine to hold for the
long term. "B+"