2012 & 2018 Tor Kenward "Tierra Roja Vineyard" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

“Combines power and finesse, offering a firm, dense, chewy core of mocha-scented blackberry, cassis, crushed rock, loamy earth, cedar, cigar box and exotic spice, ending with firm, smoky tannins and a midpalate sweetness that adds a measure of intrigue and nuance.” (04/2015)

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard comes from a 4-acre Oakville parcel situated below the Dalla Valle vineyards in the eastern Vaca foothills. It exhibits an opaque purple color along with a gorgeous nose of loamy soil minerality interwoven with blackberry and crème de cassis fruit. Full-bodied with terrific richness and opulence, this is a great example from the tenderloin sector of Napa Valley. Tor Kenward continues to turn out a portfolio of wines with sensational quality. (RP)” (10/2014)

“Dark red-ruby. Wild, highly nuanced nose throws off scents of raspberry, musky black olive, wild herbs, iron and dusty stone, all lifted by a floral topnote. Very ripe, dense and sweet, offering terrific depth and thickness without any heaviness. The fruits run more to red than black, with brown spices providing another aromatic element in the mouth. Finishes very long and sweet, with superb ripe, broad tannins. Outstanding potential. (ST)” (05/2014)

“Gorgeous aromas of dark fruit, plum and iron with hints of clay dust. Full body, round and silky tannins and a lively finish. Tight and racy. Wonderful length.” (07/2015)

“Beautifully expressive and layered, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard is resonant and floral, with terrific density and power. This is another 2012 that remains primary and not fully expressive. Today, it is the wine's silkiness that impresses above all else. It will be interesting to see where the 2012 goes over the coming year. (AG)” (11/2013)

“Another Oakville Cabernet, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard offers a spicy, complex nose of baked black cherries, plums, currants, bay leaf, sandalwood, and chocolate. This spicy, complex, savory Cabernet is full-bodied and has a wonderfully textured, seamless mouthfeel, present tannins, and a good finish. It's already a joy to drink yet is going to evolve for 20 years or more given its overall balance.” (01/2021)

“A red with richness and density, offering plum and berry with tile and mahogany undertones. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins and a flavorful finish. More opulent and plusher style to it, as always.” (12/2020)

“Tor's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard is rich, effusive and savory from the very first taste. Crushed red berries, rose petal, mocha, crushed rocks, new French oak and espresso race out of the glass. There is an energy to the Tierra Roja that is impossible to miss. Then again, that is the magic of the red soils in Eastern Oakville. The tannins could use a bit of time to soften, but they are already nicely in balance. (AG)” (01/2021)

“The four-acre hillside Tierra Roja vineyard is located on the opposite side of the Silverado Trail from the Oakville Cross Road. The vineyard is dotted with big rocks, and the soil is roja (very red). The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color, bursting from the glass with notes of red currant jelly, kirsch, blackberry pie and wild blueberries with suggestions of wild sage, potpourri, tobacco leaf and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is softly textured and refreshing, delivering bags of red and black berry flavors and finishing with a lively herbal lift. (LPB)” (11/2020)