2019 TOR 'Tierra Roja' Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Aptly named ‘Tierra Roja’ delivers more red fruit than black, with richness and density that always impresses. Crushed red berries swirl with rose petal, mocha and mahogany in a savory, spicy, complex and full-bodied beauty. Jeb Dunnuck notes, "Gorgeous on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a great mid-palate, supple tannins, and just a great mix of elegance and richness, this is classic 2019 all the way."
Proprietor Tor Kenward and his winemaking team, led by Jeff Ames, have been crafting world-class wines at this eponymous estate from its inception. Tor’s 30+ years in the Napa wine business have afforded him relationships with the sort of growers who have lines behind golden velvet ropes begging for their grapes. It pays to know where the valley’s greatest terroirs are in the Napa Valley. Robert Mondavi sited his winery smack in the middle of To Kalon because he, father Cesare, and brother Peter all knew how great the grapes were for Charles Krug in the 1950s. Starting in the 1970s, Andy Beckstoffer began studying and acquiring the finest terroirs in the valley, and strongly advocating for vineyard designation. And of course Tor Kenward, as an executive for Beringer, knew which sites were the most powerful contributors to Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet. Tor has an insider’s knowledge and a rolodex that newcomers simply can’t buy. This is why the wines of TOR are so important to us, and why they demand your attention.
James Suckling
Aromas of tile, dust, terra cotta and red fruit follow through to a full-bodied palate with clearly defined tannins that are layered and fresh. So drinkable and pretty. Drink or hold.
Wine Advocate
Tor's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard—from an Oakville site on the eastern edge of the valley, just below Dalla Valle—delivers charming notes of cherries, redcurrants and cassis. It's full-bodied, supple, silky and long on the finish, with a touch of mocha, gentle herbal shadings and an overall sense of elegance.
Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from a steep hillside vineyard and red soils on the east side of Oakville, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard delivers lots of red and black fruits as well as iron, new leather, dried flowers, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Gorgeous on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a great mid-palate, supple tannins, and just a great mix of elegance and richness, this is classic 2019 all the way. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years.