2018 Tor Kenward "Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard" & "Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Horizontal

“All Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the great terroirs for Cabernet in the world, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard reveals a vivid purple hue to go with an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, white flowers, lead pencil shavings, violets, orange blossom, and flowers. A rich, full-bodied, opulent wine, it's nevertheless as classy as they come, with perfect integration of its tannins, acidity, alcohol, and oak. Power married to incredible richness, enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20-25 years.” (01/2021)

“Featuring mostly clone 337 out of F-block from Beckstoffer's section of To Kalon vineyard, these vines are strictly managed to one cluster per shoot. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon displays a very deep purple-black color, slowly unfurling to reveal expressive notes of iron ore, tilled loam, tar and tobacco leaf over a core of ripe, juicy black currants, blackberries compote and plum preserves with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, sporting super-firm, super-ripe tannins and a lively line of freshness to support the dense, muscular black fruits, finishing long and earthy. (LPB) 98+” (11/2020)

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is a dark, brooding beauty. It possesses tremendous richness, with plenty of supporting tannic clout to back it all up. Black plum, chocolate, licorice, spice and leather all flesh out as the 2018 builds into its huge finish. The 2018 has closed down quite a bit since I last tasted it a year ago. That won't be a problem in time, but readers have to be patient. (AG)” (01/2022)

“Blackberries and blackcurrants with violets and lavender on the nose, following through to a full body with tight, integrated tannins that are polished and refined. Lovely length. Dusty, fine tannins. Try after 2024.” (12/2020)

“Tor's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch is magnificent. Deep, plush and massively concentrated the 2018 possesses off the charts richness and power. Black cherry, scorched earth, licorice, new leather, herbs, cloves and menthol blast across the palate. The 2018 is a huge, virile Cabernet that delivers the goods, big time. (AG)” (10/2021)

“This site in Oakville has been firing on all cylinders recently, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch (100% Cabernet From the rockiest section in the vineyard) is just another example of the incredible quality from the vineyard. Inky purple, its stunning bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shaving, tobacco, and gravelly earth notes give way to a full-bodied, structured wine that reminds me a great vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte with its incredible earthy minerality as well as finesse and elegance.” (01/2021)

“Amazing aromas of blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, meat and black tea leaves. Medium to full body and compact, polished tannins. Creamy, velvety-textured palate that is long and persistent. Precise wine. Shows great potential for the future.” (10/2019)

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch comes from Block 7, which has 20-year-old vines and a gravelly soil type. It spent about three weeks on the skins during and after fermentation and was matured in small French oak barrels for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with opulent scents of kirsch, black raspberries, black currant cordial and Black Forest cake with hints of dried mint, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the wine completely coats the mouth with red and black fruit preserves layers, supported by firm grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a lively lift. (LPB) 95+” (11/2020)