Tor Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja 2011
The new Tor is absolutely delicious. It has tremendous weight and offers a full, mouth-coating experience packed with rich, ripe berries and spices. Soft, supple tannins carry the palate to a long, lovely finish. Drink over the next 10 years. 97 points.
Tor Winery
Tor Kenward spent 27 years as a senior executive with Beringer Vineyards working in winemaking and marketing, helping to build a wine company known to collectors worldwide for its outstanding Reserve and single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. He retired in 2001, and along with his wife Susan, started TOR Kenward Family Wines, a small wine company based on single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays.
"For three decades I made a least one barrel of wine each vintage from Beringer's best vineyard sites," recalls Tor Kenward. "I had great mentors, Ed Sbragia and Bob Steinhauer, encouraging me to make wine and grow grapes. We had different approaches, but shared the same passion: great wine, and how to make it. We tasted together, traveled together to Europe to learn more, and shared the secrets we unearthed along the journey."
"I walked every corner of Napa and Sonoma those three decades, an avid student of what makes a great vineyard. Luckily, I am working today with people whom I consider to be extraordinary growers dedicated to growing the highest quality grapes," explains Tor. "We farm these special vineyard sites by acre-by-acre -- meaning we work together to achieve the best possible grapes regardless of cost."
Our winemaking is driven by the same philosophy: constantly striving for the best, whatever it takes. Tor works exclusively with small cooperage houses in France to ensure we have the best barrels, and uses natural yeasts for both primary and secondary fermentations. Grapes are hand sorted, and our wines are crafted in very small cuvees so as to receive minimal handling. "If we harvest what we consider world-class grapes, our job as winemakers is to stay out of the way. That takes experience and patience, but can be very rewarding when it all comes together," explains Tor.
The Wine
- Winery Tor
- Vintage 2011
- Vineyard Tierra Roja
- Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
- Style Boutique
- Winemaker Jeff Ames
- Production Boutique
Locale
- Country USA
- State California
- Region Oakville, Napa Valley
Cellar Notes
- Tasting Notes Baking Spices, Red Fruit
- Food Pairings Aged Cheddar Cheese, Beef Short Ribs, Rack of Lamb with Juniper Glaze
- Aging 10 years
- Opening Decant
Ratings
- Our Rating 97 - Classic