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+"- posted
15 years ago