It is more than apparent that Tor Kenward knows Napa Chardonnay. As one of the architects of Beringer’s famed ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay, I had the great chance to chat about him during my Instagram Live with him a few years back (https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLsZUPbld8M/) about his hand in the ‘Private Reserve’ program while he was at the helm for Beringer Vineyards. Tor has a new book out that is a truly outstanding read for any lover of Napa Valley wine. While he might be most famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, Tor has been making some incredible Chardonnay for many years now. Winemaker Jeff Ames deftly crafts these big Chardonnay bottlings from some of the finest area sources including the old vine‘Beresini’ and ‘Hyde’ Vineyards.
Tor has crafted some of the finest Chardonnays in North America here. I absolutely loved the 2021 TOR ‘Cuvee Torchiana’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is one of the finest new world Chardonnay bottlings I have enjoyed over the past year. This is highly eminiscent of a top Mersault. Silky smooth throughout the drinking experience with insanely good texture, finesse and range, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://torwines.com Here are the exceptional spring 2023 releases by TOR.
2021 TOR ‘Cuvee Torchiana’ Chardonnay- The incredible new ‘Cuvee Torchiana’ comes from the three-acre Beresini Vineyard which was planted roughly 30 years ago. The wine was stored in Saury and Damy medium-toast oak barrels prior to bottling. This is an incredible golden hue on the glass, offering toasted hazelnut on the nose alongside banana, grilled pineapple, and shades of lemon rind dusted brioche bread. The palate is absolutely seamless throughout the drinking experience. Melon and citrus fruits combine with vanilla creme brûlée, baking spices and an opulent texture on the palate. Wait for the minute-long finish! Drink 2023-2033- 96
2021 TOR ‘Cuvee Susan’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Cuvee Susan’ comes from the famed Hyde Vineyard which was planted by Larry Hyde three decades ago. Stored in 20% new French oak, this offers incredible aromatic range from white grapefruit blossom, pastry crust, ripe peach and salty undercurrents. The palate is dense and showing beautiful underlying finesse with a silky texture. Rich Japanese pear, juicy starfruit and salted Macadamia nut flavors combine with cardamom spiked sourdough bread on the palate. This is a complete stunner that has both the stuffing and finesse to show well for at least another decade. Drink 2023-2033- 96
2021 TOR ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The sensational ‘Oakville’ comes from some famed sites in the Oakville AVA including the Tench Vineyard. Very brooding in the glass, this displays incredible aromatics with black tea, exotic spices, blackberries, anise, red bell pepper and shades of freshly tilled loamy soils. The palate is concentrated and comes off very seamless with incredible elegance throughout the drinking experience. This is amongst the finest entry level Napa Cabernets that you will find in the valley as it will easily cellar for another fifteen years but will also reward early drinking. Drink 2023-2040- 95